In episode 34 of Experience Andy Weins Live, I share my gratitude for the opportunity to speak at Waste Expo 2024 and dive into the powerful difference between "help" and "support." Discover how language can transform your leadership approach and relationships, and hear practical strategies to empower yourself and others. Tune in for inspiring stories, insightful tips, and my mission to change the world one word at a time.

In this episode, I’m broadcasting from a hotel room in Las Vegas as I gear up for my speaking engagement at the Waste Expo. Despite the travel, the show goes on because consistency is key.

We kick things off with moments of gratitude, where I reflect on the incredible support system of fellow CEOs and business leaders who have been pivotal to my growth. Then, I dive into my passion for public speaking and the importance of getting those reps in, even if it means doing pro bono work.

The heart of this episode is all about the power of quitting—why sometimes letting go is the best way forward. Inspired by a simple lesson from a Lego bridge and a profound conversation about honesty, I explore how simplifying our actions and language can lead to more fulfilling lives.

Tune in as I challenge you to identify one thing that no longer serves you and commit to quitting it for 27 days. Remember, quitting isn't about giving up; it's about making room for what truly matters.

Join me for a thought-provoking discussion on leadership, personal growth, and the value of doing less to achieve more. And as always, I leave you with the three steps to success: do the fucking thing, tell the fucking world, and show the fuck up.

Welcome back to another installment of Experience Andy Weins Live. This weekly session is my chance to delve into a topic that's not only significant in my life right now but also universally relevant. Today, we're exploring the concepts of being a victor, a victim, or a villain through our choice of words when reacting to events around us.

But first, let's chat about gratitude. Each week, I focus on gratitude because, honestly, it's something I've always struggled with. This practice ensures that at least once a week, I pause to truly appreciate the people and things in my life. Today, I want to give a shout-out to Aaron from Camo Crew. He's been with us for almost a year, and I've often wondered what he thinks about his job. After asking him, he shared how working here has opened his eyes to the importance of recycling—a concept he'd never considered before. His new perspective is not only changing his life but also influencing his family's habits. This transformation is why I'm grateful for the chance to educate and impact others through our work in recycling.

Now, onto my weekly ask—I'm inviting anyone in or visiting the Milwaukee area to join me for lunch. Every day between 11 and 12, I give a quick tour of our warehouse, followed by lunch at the Butler Inn. It's a simple yet fantastic way to connect. Let's grab Lunch!

Let's dive into today's main discussion about being a victor, not a victim or a villain. This theme was almost a chapter in my book that I had called Hustle, Struggle, Grind, but it didn’t fit the final cut. However, the essence of choosing your words carefully remained crucial, shaping our final title, Words Fucking Matter. In any challenging situation, the words you choose can dictate whether you emerge as the victor who learns and grows, or fall into the roles of victim or villain who blame and deny reality.

Take responsibility—it's a powerful choice. Recently, a team leader blamed others for a messy truck, but upon reflection, he realized he hadn't supervised effectively. This shift from blame to responsibility is what transforms situations and personal outcomes.

I’ve faced many setbacks—failed businesses, a divorce, near-dismissal from the army—but like Rocky Balboa says, it’s about getting up one more time than you’re knocked down. That’s what victors do: they see each challenge as a chance to improve and grow.

Finally, I had an enlightening experience with my godson this weekend. Despite his struggles at school, spending time working together showed him the value of hard work and personal effort. It was a moment of victory for both of us, highlighting the importance of facing challenges head-on.

So, this week, regardless of the situations you find yourself in, look for ways to be the victor. It’s all about the language you use and the choices you make. Remember to take ownership, stay accountable, and be responsible. Do the fucking thing, tell the fucking world, and show the fuck up—consistently. See you next week!

Welcome back to another episode of Experience Andy Weins Live, where every Monday I dive into what's on my mind and how I'm planning to make the world a better place this week. Today, I want to explore the theme of why it's cruel to be kind, drawing on some principles from Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life, and how language plays a crucial role in shaping our world.

First, I want to express my gratitude toward all the hustlers and grinders out there—the people who inspire me daily through their posts on social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. One standout example is Macy Estrada, a former WWE wrestler known as Lacey. Macy and her husband share insights into what it means to be in a partnership, both in life and business, which really resonates with me.

In today's discussion, I'll delve into the paradox that being overly kind can actually be a form of cruelty. This insight struck me during one of my monthly CEO roundtable discussions. When we withhold honest feedback to spare someone's feelings, we're not doing them any favors. Instead, we're postponing necessary confrontations and growth opportunities.

This weekend, I came across some compelling thoughts from Jordan Peterson about the importance of being precise in our speech—a principle I've centered my book around. Words truly matter. They shape our reality and influence our outcomes, so it’s crucial to choose them wisely.

Peterson also highlighted one of his toughest rules: "Tell the truth, or at least don't lie." This rule challenges us to face uncomfortable truths and engage in difficult conversations that we might prefer to avoid. The tendency to avoid conflict for the sake of temporary peace can lead to prolonged turmoil down the line.

Drawing from this, I'm reminded of the analogy between bison and cattle when a storm approaches. While cattle run away, prolonging their exposure to the storm, bison charge toward it, minimizing their discomfort. Similarly, we must face life's challenges head-on to reduce long-term strife.

This Friday, I have the opportunity to teach interview techniques to middle schoolers. It’s a chance to share practical advice and inspire young minds, emphasizing the value of direct and honest communication.

Reflecting on the broader impact of my words and actions, I realize the importance of being truthful and proactive, both in personal and professional contexts. This approach not only fosters real growth but also aligns with my commitment to contribute positively to others' lives without expecting anything in return, a concept championed by Simon Sinek.

As I continue to share my journey and learnings through this platform, I challenge you to consider how you can confront your own storms. What truths do you need to face? How can you communicate more effectively to foster genuine progress for yourself and others?

Until next week, let's strive to be honest, face challenges boldly, and live authentically. Because it's that simple. When I follow this three step plan, I live the life I want to live.

And I will challenge you: Do the fucking thing, Tell the fucking world, and Show the fuck up. We'll see you next week.

Hey there, welcome to this weeks post. I recorded this episode from the center camera today since the top one decided to bail on us—but hey, that's actually what we're diving into: learning to respond to situations rather than reacting to people or stimuli. Let's unpack that shortly.

First off, a little gratitude moment here. I'm feeling really thankful for the weather here in Wisconsin—70 degrees the past few days, can you believe it? In my line of work with junk removal, winters can be brutal, so this warmth is a huge lift. Just this Saturday, fresh from an electronics recycling event, I swung by Dunkin' for a coffee—yeah, I'm a Dunkin' nut—and man, was I in a great mood, mostly thanks to the event and this stellar weather. It's those simple joys, right?

Gratitude for these uncontrollable blessings really tones down my itch to control everything else, which in turn creates more scenarios where I'm genuinely content. So today, I'm all about the simplicity and beauty of good weather.

Now, down to business: I've got a book out, "Words Fucking Matter," available on Amazon in all formats. We'll be tapping into some insights from it today as we talk about responding over reacting.

We all have our moments of overreaction, part of being human. But it really boils down to our early wiring. Picture this: we've got our 'big brain'—the clear, confident, creative part. Then there's our 'lizard brain,' the one that's all about fight, flight, or freeze. In between, there's a crucial part making the call on how we handle incoming stimuli—do we see it as a threat or an opportunity?

This is fundamentally about choice. How do we respond? Do we operate from a place of abundance, love, and assurance, or from scarcity, hate, and insecurity?

A lot of this wisdom comes from Dr. Bill Crawford and some military resiliency training I did in the Army. We face events that trigger us, and we get to choose—do we use our frontal lobe, our 'big brain,' or regress to that primal 'lizard brain'?

I’ve come to see that reflection is not the last step in understanding ourselves but the first. It allows us to evaluate our reactions to past stimuli and align them more closely with our values and beliefs.

Years back, during a particularly rough divorce, I learned the hard way. Initially, I reacted—anything my ex said would set me off. It was a cycle of negativity, costing both money and peace. But I shifted my approach. Instead of reacting, I'd call someone else—often my mom—or just take a moment to assess the truth of the situation calmly. Over time, I didn't need to call anyone. I could just reflect, recognize the inaccuracies in claims made against me, and choose not to engage. It saved me unnecessary stress and confrontation.

This approach has not only helped in personal matters but also in running my business. Just last Friday, faced with negative feedback, I reminded myself of the positive impacts we've made—both in our community and within our company.

So, here’s what I’m getting at: sometimes, the best response is no response. Not reacting doesn’t mean you're ignoring the issue; it means you're choosing to not fuel someone else’s fire but to nurture your own flames of positivity and productivity.

I challenge you all this week to reflect on how you respond to challenges. Do the fucking thing, tell the fucking world, show the fuck up. And I'll catch you next week to see how you've transformed your reactions into responses.

Another Monday, another great day to be alive! I’m here to share our life experiences, helping us all grow together. So, let’s kick off today with a moment of gratitude before diving into today’s topics, and I'll share a little something about how you can support me today.

First up, I’m really thankful for the people who hold me accountable. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to find folks who push and challenge me exactly where I need it. Each week, I come here to share my ideals with the world, and it’s these very people who keep me true to these ideals. Like anyone, I make mistakes, letting fear or that wounded inner child make decisions for me. But having people around who hold me accountable helps me correct my course swiftly. So, a huge thank you to everyone who pushes me toward the direction I aim to go.

Now, let’s talk about speaking—something I absolutely love and am pretty good at. Recently, I revisited a list from EOS, the Entrepreneurial Operating System, categorizing things I love and excel at, things I like and am good at, and so on. And, speaking is right there at the top! Whether it’s workshops, keynotes, or other speaking gigs, I relish the chance to stand before an audience and share my ideals.

This brings me to my latest endeavor, the "Language of Leadership" workshop that I'll be presenting at the Waste Expo. With around 15,000 attendees, I’m geared up to speak to about 200-300 of you there, discussing how we can overcome limiting beliefs about leadership through better communication.

Shifting gears, let’s touch on FOPO—fear of other people's opinions, a concept I just discovered through a blog by Kaitlin Henze. It resonated deeply with me, especially since it ties back to our basic human need to be accepted, a trait rooted in our hunter-gatherer days. Kaitlin discusses how FOPO can limit us by making us overly concerned with others’ thoughts at the expense of listening to our own intuition. This often breeds insecurity and doubt, which can hold us back significantly.

Reflecting on this, I recall a pivotal moment in my life about a decade ago. Post-Guantanamo Bay and in the midst of personal turmoil, I came across a Les Brown video that changed my outlook: "People’s opinions of you are none of your business." This mantra has guided me ever since, helping me focus on being unique and contributing my unique qualities to the world.

In terms of actionable advice, let’s consider shifting from worrying about what others think to genuinely caring about people. This involves asking insightful, open-ended questions and listening actively to understand their needs—a strategy that not only enhances interpersonal relationships but also fosters personal growth and understanding.

So, this week, embrace control over the things you can influence: your responses, your actions, and your mindset. Regulate your energy wisely in interactions, and keep a short list of people whose opinions truly matter—those who genuinely support and understand you.

To wrap up, remember to share your aspirations and vulnerabilities with those around you. Let them know what you need and take in the support they offer. By doing so, you’ll build a community that genuinely supports each other’s growth.

Thanks for tuning in. Let’s keep pushing forward, stay accountable, and as always, do the fucking thing, tell the fucking world, and show the fuck up. See you next week for more!

Welcome to episode 28, live from my corner of the world. This week, we're diving deep into the heart of loss and the journey I've been on, turning it into a stepping stone towards where I dream of being. Before anything else, let's settle into our moment of gratitude, a tradition here that's more than just a habit—it's my weekly ritual to anchor in the good amidst life's storms.

I want to share my immense gratitude for my daughter this week. Picking her up on Friday and spending an Easter weekend filled with movies, laughter, and just being together has recharged my spirit. For parents out there, you know the sheer magic of witnessing your child grow and learn—it's a relentless source of inspiration, especially on days when finding my purpose feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Her presence is a vivid reminder of what I'm striving for and what joy awaits. She's taught me more about life than I could ever teach her, making me endlessly thankful for her light in my life, especially now, as I navigate through some rough waters.

Let's shift gears to the essence of today's talk—embracing vulnerability. In my journey, both in the military and in life, I've learned that reaching out for help signifies strength, not weakness. Whether it's supporting my book to spread my message or engaging me for speaking gigs, it's all about mutual support and growth.

Now, down to business. Running a junk removal company is my day job, and lately, we've been hitting a snag in recruiting employees. But I refuse to buy into the narrative that the next generation lacks the drive to work. Instead, we're focused on moving forward, seeking young individuals in the greater Milwaukee area interested in the recycling industry. It's a call to action for anyone passionate about making a difference while being part of a team that's about more than just junk—it's about community and environmental stewardship.

Music always sets the tone for me, and today, my brother's song, "The Thinking Song," resonates deeply with our theme of loss. It speaks to the heart of turning anguish into something constructive, using language to bridge the gap between thought and expression. This got me thinking about reframing our approach to loss—not as something to 'deal with' but something to 'work with.' It's about transforming our perspective from dealing with challenges to collaborating with them to forge a path forward.

In writing my book, I challenged myself to rethink the language of loss, particularly the word 'miss.' Dwelling on what's gone can anchor us in the past, preventing us from living fully in the present and envisioning our future. It's about shifting from a mindset of missing to one of creating new memories and opportunities. This philosophy led me to recalling a family event to honor my grandmother's legacy, turning nostalgia into a moment of collective joy and anticipation.

The past few months have tested my resilience with the loss of key leaders in my business and facing competition from former employees. It was a moment of truth, pushing me to reevaluate my reactions and choose a path that reflects who I am and who I aspire to be. It reminded me that everything and everyone is replaceable, and it's my responsibility to direct my energy towards growth and renewal.

This journey has reinforced the importance of setting and respecting boundaries, in business and in life. It's about creating a space where optimism thrives and where each of us has the power to decide who and what we welcome into our lives. As my grandmother wisely said, "It all works out." It's a testament to the strength found in embracing the present and being open to the endless possibilities that life offers.

So, as we wrap up today, I want to express my gratitude to all of you for being part of this journey with me. Your presence and support challenge me to grow and explore the best version of myself. Let's commit to action—do the fucking thing, tell the fucking world, show the fuck up, and we'll see you next week.

Kicking things off with a big thank you – this time, I'm diving deep into gratitude, sharing a slice of my life, and then we'll pivot to what's hot on my mind today.

This weekend, I found myself at a gun raffle up north, a tradition that's been in my life for a solid 30 years. Imagine a gathering brimming with guns, fried chicken, and a sense of camaraderie – that's it. It's these moments, surrounded by family and echoes of my childhood, that I'm immensely thankful for. Spending quality time with my Aunt Nancy recently reminded me of the unique bond I share with my aunts and uncles, a connection cultivated during summers spent at their homes away from the city's hustle. They were more than family; they were mentors, guiding me through the maze of growing up with patience and wisdom.

Now, let's shift gears to the business side of things. Experience Andy Weins Live is evolving – we're now venturing into the podcast realm, making our insights and conversations accessible for on-the-go listening. A simple yet effective move, inspired by a nudge from a friend, has broadened our reach, allowing our message to resonate through Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you love to tune in.

Today, I'm itching to talk about accountability, sparked by a casual chat over coffee. Accountability isn't just a fancy word; it's a cornerstone of growth, both personally and professionally. It's about setting expectations for ourselves and allowing those around us to remind us of our path when we stray. It's recognizing that leadership is service, that guiding others often means paving the way for their success before our own.

Accountability starts with clarity – knowing who you are and what you dream of. It's about embracing the power of choice, replacing "I have to" with "I choose to," a simple linguistic shift that reframes our perspective, fostering gratitude and driving us toward our goals. It's about recognizing the importance of both instrumental and intrinsic motivation, understanding that our actions today shape our intrinsic values tomorrow.

This week, I challenge you to embrace accountability. Define your goals, let those around you in on your vision, and permit them to hold you accountable. Shift your language, focus on the positive, and watch as the dominoes of change begin to fall. Remember, the journey to achieving our dreams is paved with accountability, and it starts with a single step – acknowledging where we are, where we want to be, and what we need to do to get there.

So, this week, it's very simple: Accountability starts with you. It begins with defining what your goal is. Be vulnerable. That goal you have should scare you, right? It's better to aim high and miss than to aim low and hit every time. Do something that scares you. Put it out there. I'm 27 episodes into this, and I'm still figuring this out.

Here I am, showing up week in and week out. I turn on my camera, hook up the microphone, and stare at the camera here. I turn off the monitor, so I don't see myself. I let myself go. I let you guys into my world. I'm vulnerable, sharing my goals, giving you permission to the point where I'm demanding you hold me accountable.

So that I get where I want to go in life. Because I was put on this earth, in this place, to do more than what I'm doing here today. Right now is a good place to be, but it's not where I want to be tomorrow, a week from now, a year from now. I want to be there, and I ask you to hold me accountable.

My challenge to you is simple. The opportunity you have is to possess the vulnerability, transparency, and humility to say, "This is where I'm at. This is where I want to be. And these are the things I need to do in my life. This is the language I need to shape. These are the people I need to surround myself with so that I am accountable to my goals, dreams, or aspirations."

You have now removed yourself from the avatar, the body, the vessel you are, and now you've made your goal bigger than your ego, your insecurity, your vulnerability. And when you chase that, when you bring people with you, you will hold yourself and others accountable, and they'll hold you accountable.

And that my friend is a beautiful thing. Do the fucking thing. Tell the fucking world, show the fuck up, hold yourself and others accountable, and you will eventually live the life you've always wanted to live. Between now and then, I'll see you next week.