How can you connect with someone at the deepest levels? You’ll discover a powerful way in this conversation that host Meredith Bell had with guest Martine Cannon. Martine opens by sharing her own transformative journey, beginning with her discovery of meditation at age 15 and culminating in her impactful work with CEOs on inner transformation.

Martine describes the profound lessons she learned from Steve Hardison, whose unconditional love and acceptance inspired her to embrace her whole self. Together, we explore the importance of creating safe spaces where individuals can connect on a deeper level—through their stories, their feelings, and even their nervous systems—to foster trust, self-awareness, and growth.

Martine also offers profound insights into leadership and team dynamics, emphasizing the value of vulnerability, empathy, and presence. She shares compelling stories that highlight the importance of validating others’ perspectives and respecting defense mechanisms as part of building trust and connection. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, embrace uncertainty, and reconnect with yourself and others in a way that unlocks new possibilities for personal and professional growth.

About the Guest:

For over two decades, FTSE 500 CEO’s and the global elite in business have consulted Martine Cannon when faced with seemingly impossible leadership challenges. They call her the CEO Whisperer.

Martine maintains a hands-on role as Co-Founder of the world’s fastest-growing functional snacking brand, 'Düng snacks'. Düng snacks was created by Martine and her partner Danny to fuel a charity foundation that will feed a million children a year.

Martine's most important commitment is to be a wonderful mum to her teen daughter and be a partner to Danny whom she is committed to never ceasing to amaze.

Website: https://www.martinecannon.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinecannon/

https://londonspeakerbureau.com/speaker-profile/martine-cannon/

About the Host:

Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home.

Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. She co-authored her latest books, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, and Peer Coaching Made Simple, with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates. In them, Meredith and Denny provide how-to guides for improving communication skills and d with guest Martine Cannon. Martine opens by sharing her own transformative journey, beginning with her discovery of meditation at age 15 and culminating in her impactful work with CEOs on inner transformation.

Martine describes the profound lessons she learned from Steve Hardison, whose unconditional love and acceptance inspired her to embrace her whole self. Together, we explore the importance of creating safe spaces where individuals can connect on a deeper level—through their stories, their feelings, and even their nervous systems—to foster trust, self-awareness, and growth.

Martine also offers profound insights into leadership and team dynamics, emphasizing the value of vulnerability, empathy, and presence. She shares compelling stories that highlight the importance of validating others’ perspeserving as a peer coach to someone else.

Meredith is also The Heart-centered...

Melanie Waite shares with Ipek Williamson her transformative journey of self-love, healing, and embracing her true essence in this powerful episode of The Ultimate Coach Podcast. From a childhood experience that shaped her self-image for decades to a life-changing breakthrough that allowed her to see herself with new eyes, Melanie's story is a testament to the impact of internal narratives and the freedom that comes from rewriting them.

As a holistic health expert, she discusses how her personal struggles informed her path of helping others unlock their inner resources and cultivate radical self-acceptance. She also reflects on the deep connections she has built, including her lifelong relationship with Steve Hardison, and how love, support, and powerful shifts in awareness have shaped her life. This episode is an invitation to let go of self-judgment, embrace your inherent worth, and step into a life of limitless possibility.

About the Guest:

Melanie Waite is a holistic health enthusiast and passionate educator. With a multifaceted background as a Nutrition Teacher, Fitness Instructor, Massage Therapist, Aromatherapist, and GNM student, Melanie weaves together the intricate connections between mind, body, and spirit.

Driven by the inseparable bond between physical and mental health, Melanie is dedicated to sharing her knowledge to inspire transformative growth and to support individuals in recognizing that their health truly is in their own hands.

Melanie enjoys staying active, exploring the latest research on mind-body connections, and connecting with like-minded individuals who share her passion for wellness.

Melanie lives in northern California with her husband Paul.

About the Host:

A beacon of change and a catalyst for transformation, Ipek Williamson is a multifaceted professional who seamlessly integrates two decades of corporate expertise with a diverse skill set as a coach, mentor, speaker, author, meditation advocate, and teacher. Her mission is to guide individuals through the complexities of modern life, helping them find deep peace and harmony. Ipek's coaching approach, rooted in Core Values, Mental Fitness, and Mind Mastery, empowers clients to unlock their hidden potential and confidently embrace change with joy.

Beyond coaching, Ipek's influence spreads through her 100+ meditations on the Insight Timer App and live meditation sessions, where she shares transformative wisdom. Her impact extends to workshops, courses, and training sessions for individuals, groups, and corporations. As a Change Champion, Ipek Williamson is dedicated to promoting positive change, nurturing inner calm, and empowering others to script their own transformation stories.

ipek@ipekwilliamsoncoaching.com

https://linktr.ee/IpekWilliamson

https://ipekwilliamsoncoaching.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipekwilliamson/

The Ultimate Coach Resources



https://theultimatecoachbook.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theultimatecoach

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theultimatecoachbook

LinkedIn:

In this unforgettable conversation, co-hosts Meredith Bell and Ipek Williamson explore the profound wisdom of Steve Hardison, whose way of being embodies love in action. Steve shares how love—both for ourselves and others—is the ultimate state of being, shaping every aspect of our lives. Through deep listening, self-forgiveness, and intentional choices, he reveals how we can transform not just our own reality but also the lives of those around us.

One of the most powerful takeaways is Steve’s belief in the freedom we all have to choose love over judgment, creation over criticism, and gratitude over resentment. He offers practical ways to cultivate self-love, embrace life’s challenges with an open heart, and boldly ask for what we truly want. His insights are a powerful reminder that love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a way of being that can uplift and expand every part of our lives.

This is more than a podcast episode—it’s an invitation to embody love, deepen your connections, and unlock new possibilities. Tune in and let this conversation inspire you to live with more love, presence, and purpose.

About the Guest:

Steve Hardison is known as The Ultimate Coach, and he’s the subject of the book The Ultimate Coach. Steve has devoted his life to loving others and helping them wake up to who they are BEING in the world and to unlimited possibilities. As a result of the book’s impact, a community called The Being Movement has formed around the possibilities for transformation in our lives. You can get involved by visiting the website and joining The Ultimate coach Facebook Group.

Website, The Being Movement: https://beingmovement.com/

The Ultimate Coach Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/theultimatecoach

About the Host:

Meredith Bell

Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home.

Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. She co-authored her latest books, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, and Peer Coaching Made Simple, with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates. In them, Meredith and Denny provide how-to guides for improving communication skills and serving as a peer coach to someone else.

Meredith is also The Heart-centered Connector. One of her favorite ways of BEING in the world is to introduce people who can benefit from knowing each other.

https://growstrongleaders.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbell

Ipek Williamson

A beacon of change and a catalyst for transformation, Ipek Williamson is a multifaceted professional who seamlessly integrates two decades of corporate expertise with a diverse skill set as a coach, mentor, speaker, author, meditation advocate, and teacher. Her mission is to guide individuals through the complexities of modern life, helping them find deep peace and harmony. Ipek's coaching approach, rooted in Core Values, Mental Fitness, and Mind Mastery, empowers clients to unlock their hidden potential and confidently embrace change with joy.

Beyond coaching, Ipek's influence spreads through her 100+ meditations on the Insight Timer App and live meditation sessions, where she shares transformative wisdom. Her impact extends to workshops, courses, and training sessions for individuals, groups, and corporations. As a Change Champion, Ipek Williamson is dedicated to promoting positive change, nurturing inner calm, and empowering...

Ben Depraz-Brenninkmeijer joins Ipek Williamson on The Ultimate Coach Podcast for a deep and thought-provoking conversation about transformation, resilience, and the power of presence. He shares his fascinating journey—moving from investment banking to coaching, performing as a breakdancer, and eventually translating The Ultimate Coach book into French. Along the way, he opens up about how adversity shaped his perspective and how embracing life's unexpected turns led him to a more meaningful path.

This episode explores the hero’s journey, the delicate balance between taking control and surrendering to life’s flow, and the importance of being truly ready for change. We also discuss how coaching isn’t about persuasion but about meeting people when they are prepared to step into transformation. Ben’s insights on personal growth, self-awareness, and commitment will leave listeners with a fresh perspective on their own path of becoming.

The links to the resources mentioned in the episode:

Documentary:

• Finding Joe (about the Hero’s Journey) - https://youtu.be/s8nFACrLxr0?si=HzEkit_QjE5n760M

Books:

• Forgiveness is Power by William Fergus Martin - https://a.co/d/a6dmicU
• The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander - https://a.co/d/ey4Zocw

About the Guest:

Ben Depraz-Brenninkmeijer is a master at unlocking human potential, working with leaders, founders, and executives who dare to think big and play even bigger. Over the past decade, he has led transformational seminars across eight countries and coached thousands—from startup visionaries to C-suite decision-makers in industries like tech, financial services, executive search and luxury fashion. He has a passion for purpose, power, possibility, and people.

Before coaching, Ben was captivated by movement—breakdancing, parkour, and the thrill of pushing limits. He learned that greatness isn’t just talent—it’s obsession, discipline, and courage in the face of failure. As a child, he was fascinated by legends and superheroes and dreamed of waking up with superpowers. Turns out, his power is seeing the magic in others—and calling it out until they can’t ignore it.

Ben now lives in Bordeaux, France, with his wife and daughter. His work is for those who are ready to grow, lead, and make an impact—on their own terms.

www.big-coaching.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-depraz-brenninkmeijer/

https://www.facebook.com/BenDeprazB

https://www.instagram.com/bendeprazb/

About the Host:

A beacon of change and a catalyst for transformation, Ipek Williamson is a multifaceted professional who seamlessly integrates two decades of corporate expertise with a diverse skill set as a coach, mentor, speaker, author, meditation advocate, and teacher. Her mission is to guide individuals through the complexities of modern life, helping them find deep peace and harmony. Ipek's coaching approach, rooted in Core Values, Mental Fitness, and Mind Mastery,...

What happens when you say yes to life’s unexpected opportunities? In this episode, Judy and Erik Thureson share their experiences surrounding The Ultimate Experience events with host Meredith Bell. Judy opens with the incredible story of how a Facebook contest led her to a life-changing road trip with Steve Hardison. She talks about the inspiration from her late son Jacob, the humor of her husband's concerns, and the profound lessons she learned along the way. Judy's journey from chance encounters to powerful collaborations is a testament to the magic that unfolds when we embrace possibility.

Erik and Judy dive into the heart of transformational events and the power of "who you're being." From navigating production challenges to raising $100,000 for charity at a single event, their stories highlight the role of trust, love, and radical commitment in creating meaningful impact. Whether you're looking for inspiration, leadership lessons, or a reminder of the miracles that unfold when we step up with purpose, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

About the Guest:

About Judy Thureson

Judy Thureson has a genuine desire to see people live their most authentic life. In the last decade, she has helped thousands of clients transform their mental, physical, and spiritual health.

Judy helps her clients un-lock their super power! She is passionate about helping her clients heal and grow through adversity.

In June of 2019, Judy experienced the tragic loss of her eighteen year old son, Jacob to opioid overdose. In the midst of her unimaginable grief she wrote the #1 Bestselling book BEAUTIFUL TRAGEDY: How to Build Strength and Resilience during life’s Greatest Challenges. Her book chronicles her experience and introduces the GIVE Principle.

Judy is a trusted advisor for grieving families. She shares tools on how to use healthy coping skills to navigate the storms of grief and uncertainty.

https://judythureson.com/

https://thecreatorcollective.com/theultimateexperience2026

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554829303776

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judythureson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-thureson-4783631b8/

About Erk Thureson

With over three decades of learned experience from Disney, Oscars, Fox Sports, GSN, and the NFL in the areas of programming and production, Erik’s skillset is rich and vast. The depth of his industry experience accompanied with an extensive education from CSU Fullerton, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, Emory University, and Berklee College of Music, make him a powerful force of creativity. From creating client engagement solutions to managing over $65M in digital product development, he knows how to identify road blocks and develop solutions to overcome them. Erik sees potential pathways, in situations and in people.

In 2019, Erik experienced the tragic loss of his 18 year old son, Jacob, to an opioid overdose. In honoring his son’s legacy, Erik courageously confronts the stigmatized issues of mental health and substance abuse, encouraging audiences to join in the collective effort to remove the barriers that prevent open dialogue about mental health and substance abuse.

He is passionate about serving others and creating films that make the world a better...

In this deeply moving episode of The Ultimate Coach Podcast, David Walsh shares his extraordinary journey of love, loss, and purpose. He takes us back to the serendipitous moment when he met his beloved wife, Lena—a chance encounter that blossomed into a profound connection. Their story, filled with beautiful memories and heartfelt moments, unfolds with both warmth and authenticity. However, life took an unexpected turn when Lena was diagnosed with cancer, a battle she faced with unwavering strength and grace.

David opens up about the devastating loss of Lena and the transformative shift it triggered within him. In the very moment of her passing, he felt an undeniable change, as if a switch had been flipped inside him. This marked the beginning of his mission to inspire a billion people, turning his grief into a powerful force for good. David candidly shares how he navigated the overwhelming pain, eventually closing his successful business to honor his newfound purpose. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to find light even in the darkest times.

We also discuss David's heartfelt book, Thank You, I Love You, which chronicles his love story with Lena and serves as a testament to resilience, growth, and the enduring power of unconditional love. David’s vulnerability, wisdom, and passion are palpable throughout the conversation, offering a beacon of hope for anyone seeking purpose amidst life’s most profound challenges.

About the Guest:

David Walsh is passionate about helping business owners discover and live their purpose.

After the agonizing passing of his beloved wife Lena to cancer in 2021, David’s world was devastated.

But in the aftermath of that loss - rising from the ashes - David not only discovered his true purpose but surprisingly the purpose of his late wife too.

He then set out on a journey to write a book to share his life with his beautiful wife and also how he not only found his own purpose in life but also that of Lena.

So now, David has published that book, called “Thank You, I Love You” and it’s a book about love, a book about achieving the impossible and about finding your purpose in loss.

Get David's book at https://a.co/d/130eo0n

Find more about the book at https://thankyouiloveyoubook.com

https://www.davidwalshonline.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@DavidWalsh/

https://www.facebook.com/DavidWalshOnline/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwalshonline/

About the Host:

A beacon of change and a catalyst for transformation, Ipek Williamson is a multifaceted professional who seamlessly integrates two decades of corporate expertise with a diverse skill set as a coach, mentor, speaker, author, meditation advocate, and teacher. Her mission is to guide individuals through the complexities of modern life, helping them find deep peace and harmony. Ipek's coaching approach, rooted in Core Values, Mental Fitness, and Mind Mastery, empowers clients to unlock their hidden potential and confidently embrace change with joy.

Beyond coaching, Ipek's influence spreads through her 100+ meditations on the Insight Timer App and live meditation sessions, where she shares transformative wisdom. Her impact extends to workshops, courses, and training sessions for individuals, groups,...

In this episode with host Meredith Bell, Townsend Wardlaw shares his journey from consulting to coaching, revealing the profound shift in how he works with clients. He discusses the unique fulfillment coaching brings, as it empowers individuals to uncover their own solutions and embrace new perspectives. Hear how transformative experiences with renowned coaches like Rich Litvin and Steve Hardison inspired Townsend to approach each client with curiosity and a beginner’s mind, fostering deeper, more impactful conversations.

Townsend dives into the concept of freedom in consciousness work, explaining how focusing on a client’s "being" rather than their "doing" can drive faster, more lasting changes. Through an inspiring story about working with a struggling sales team in India, Townsend demonstrates the power of shifting perception to unlock potential. Learn about the “glasses” we all wear that shape our view of the world—and how changing them can lead to the perception that life is effortless and fun.

You are sure to be moved by Townsend’s story about an area of judgment he had about his wife and what he learned about himself in the process. He shares insights on how self-awareness and acceptance play critical roles in navigating life’s challenges. Discover how examining legacy habits and shifting perspectives can deepen relationships, spark personal breakthroughs, and create meaningful change. Don't miss this enlightening conversation packed with actionable takeaways for your own growth.

About the Guest:

Townsend began his career journey at 27, rapidly from outbound cold-calling for a small, long-distance reseller to the role of vice president of a Fortune 500 technology company in under six years.

In 2002, he ventured into entrepreneurship, founding a sales consulting and outsourcing company, which grew to $3M in revenue. After closing the company in 2009, Townsend dedicated himself to serving founders on their journey to growth and exit.

He has coached 1,000s of leaders, and his efforts have generated over $1.5 billion in revenue and created more than $1 billion in generational wealth for their founders. What Townsend holds in the highest regard is his role in mobilizing over $7.5 Billion in capital and contributions towards social and environmental organizations.

Currently, Townsend serves as the trusted advisor to a select group of founders and the world’s top coaches. In his spare time, he leads The Coach’s Operating System, a community that serves coaches on their journey to master the business of coaching.

https://www.townsendwardlaw.com/ - Townsend’s website

https://www.thecoachsos.com/ - The Coaches Operating System

About the Host:

Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home.

Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. She co-authored her latest books, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, and Peer Coaching Made Simple, with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates. In them, Meredith and Denny provide how-to guides for improving communication skills and serving as a peer coach to someone else.

Meredith is also The Heart-centered Connector. One of her favorite ways of BEING in the world is to introduce people who can benefit from knowing each other.

https://growstrongleaders.com/

In this episode of The Ultimate Coach Podcast, Ipek Williamson sits down with Wayne Hoffman, one of the world’s top mentalists, an award-winning performer, keynote speaker, and author of Mind Candy. Wayne shares his captivating journey from a childhood fascination with magic to becoming a global entertainer and speaker, blending psychology, sociology, and illusion into a career that inspires and amazes audiences worldwide.

Wayne recounts the unforgettable story of his first encounter with Steve Hardison, which is featured in The Ultimate Coach book and reflects on how that moment opened doors to new opportunities and meaningful connections. He also dives into his powerful four-step process that anyone can use to achieve their goals, emphasizing the importance of clarity, action, and living with purpose.

Throughout the conversation, Wayne’s stories remind us of the magic all around us and within us. From traveling to over 90 countries to balancing his career and family life, Wayne inspires listeners to step out of their comfort zones, embrace the unknown, and take bold steps toward creating a life they truly love.

About the Guest:

Multi-award-winning performer and speaker Wayne Hoffman is recognized as one of the top mentalists in the world. He currently tours the world with his stage show, as well as his keynote speech, The Power and Potential of The Human Mind. He is also the author of the best-selling book, Mind Candy.

Wayne’s passion for the mysterious was sparked at a young age and led him to study the art of magic. Later, through extensive self-studies in sociology, psychology, and human behavior, Wayne was able to develop the foundation of the skills he uses today. He now travels the world performing and speaking at exclusive events, theaters, television, casinos, universities, and top corporations. Wayne’s presentations are high-energy experiences that involve body language, human behavior, and visual illusions that will make you question your senses.

Wayne is well known for presenting his keynote to the world’s brightest minds. His keynote teaches a process that acts as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. The unique presentation includes demonstrations of mentalism and illusion that help highlight his educational content and the unique insight he’s gathered during his time studying the human mind. Wayne’s keynote has led to his service as an in-demand life coach for some of the world’s highest net-worth leaders.

Wayne has been featured on America's Got Talent, The TODAY Show, The Discovery Network, Fool Us, The Ellen Degeneres Show, NatGeo, CNN Money, The Science Channel, Masters of Illusion, and countless radio shows in the US and Canada. Wayne has presented in front of thousands of audiences in some of the most elite venues across the world and has been personally hired by thought leaders like John Maxwell.

Following his success as an entertainer and speaker, Wayne leveraged his knowledge to launch Hoffman Entertainment Inc. This dynamic company serves the event industry by providing meeting & event planners with entertainment and production resources.

https://waynehoffman.com/

https://facebook.com/waynehoffman99

https://www.instagram.com/waynehoffman/

https://youtube.com/c/WayneHoffman

About the Host:

A beacon of change and a catalyst for transformation,...