LifeExcellence with Brian Bartes

Peter Thomas is an internationally renowned mega-entrepreneur and motivational speaker. He is Chairman Emeritus of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), and the author of five groundbreaking books. Peter discusses why it’s so important to orient our life around our values, and the seeds of genius that exist in all of us. 

Jesse Cole is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the Savannah Bananas. He’s fanatic about fandom and launched the Savannah Bananas with one mission: to spark a fan-focused movement. Jesse is also a keynote speaker and the author of three bestselling books, and he owns seven yellow tuxedos! He discusses what inspired him to buy a baseball team, and how we can all put fans first and inject more fun into our businesses.

Dr. Gladys McGarey is known internationally as the “Mother of Holistic Medicine.” Her newest book, published in 2023, is “The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age.” Dr. Gladys shares her philosophy for living life to the fullest, her approach to overcoming obstacles, and why it’s important to have a 10-year plan - even at the age of 103!

Simon Reinhard is a two-time World Champion memory athlete. He holds multiple world records and Guinness World Records, and has won over 30 tournaments around the world – more than anybody else in his sport. Simon has created several memory courses, and he is also one of the founders of the International Association of Memory (IAM).

In her 13 years as CEO of KW MAPS Coaching and Training at Keller Williams Realty International, entrepreneur and author Dianna Kokoszka played a pivotal role in propelling the company to become the largest and most profitable coaching enterprise in the real estate industry. Dianna’s genuine concern for the welfare of others serves as the driving forces behind all her endeavors, fueling her unwavering commitment to add value to others.

Mike Barwis is the founder and CEO of the BARWIS Methods family of companies. Mike has trained over 5,000 Olympic and professional athletes in all sports leagues, and has extensive experience in strength and conditioning at both the pro and college levels. Olympic swimmer Peter Vanderkaay calls Mike “a strength and conditioning genius who strives for perfection in all aspects of coaching and life.” 

Dr. Nido Qubein is the president of High Point University and a nationally recognized author, speaker, and leader. He is the author of a dozen books, was inducted into the International Speakers Hall of Fame, and has been the recipient of some of the highest national awards, including induction into the esteemed Horatio Alger Association for Distinguished Americans. The Biography Channel televised his Emmy-nominated life story titled “A Life of Success and Significance.”

Dr. Barry Franklin is Director of Preventive Cardiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation at Corewell Health. He is a prolific author and speaker, and has written 547 papers, 100 book chapters, and 27 books. He has also given over 1,000 presentations, both within and outside the medical profession. Barry’s latest book is “GPS for Success: Skills, Strategies, and Secrets of Superachievers.”

Brian Cain is a mental performance coach, speaker, and bestselling author. His client list includes four Major League Baseball Cy Young Award winners, a Heisman Trophy Winner, eight UFC World Champions, and both World Series and Super Bowl Champions. Brian is an avid Ironman triathlete, ultramarathoner, and golfer, and has integrated into his own life the same mental performance strategies as the world class athletes he coaches.

Named by TIME magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World,” endurance athlete Dean Karnazes has pushed his body and mind to inconceivable limits. His feats include winning the World’s Toughest Footrace - the Badwater Ultramarathon - and running 50 marathons in all 50 US states in 50 consecutive days. Dean is also the New York Times bestselling author of “Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner.” 

Brian Tracy is a world-renowned best-selling author and speaker specializing in personal and professional development. His fast-moving talks and seminars on leadership, sales, personal growth, success, and business strategy are loaded with powerful, proven ideas and strategies that empower people to achieve their biggest goals. Brian brings immediate changes and long-term results, inspiring everyone to reach their full potential.

Tony Horton has been at the forefront of the fitness industry for decades. He is the wildly popular creator of the most successful fitness program in America, P90X. As a personal trainer, Tony has worked with A-list celebrities, including Tom Petty, Billy Idol, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Nicks. He is also a motivational speaker, and the author of three bestselling books.

Ari Weinzweig and his partner, Paul Saginaw, founded Zingerman’s Delicatessen with two employees and a small selection of specialty foods and exceptional sandwiches. Today, the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses has grown to 11 businesses and over $75 million in annual revenue. The company’s unique business model caused Inc Magazine to call Zingerman’s “The Coolest Small Company in America.”

Once called “The Godfather of Hispanic Marketing,” Richard Montañez started his career at Frito-Lay in 1976 as a janitor, and is recognized as the creator of the Flamin’ Hot line of products. He held various senior roles at PepsiCo and its Frito Lay divisions, before retiring in 2020. Richard shares the inside story of the world’s hottest snack brand.

Julia Whelan is a screenwriter, lifelong actor, author, and the audiobook narrator of over 500 titles. She has won numerous awards, including being named Audible's Narrator of the Year, and is considered one of the top narrators recording today. Her performance of her own debut novel - “My Oxford Year” – earned Julia a Society of Voice Arts award. Her latest novel, “Thank You For Listening,” was a Best of 2022 pick at Amazon, Audible, and NPR.

Hou Yifan is a chess grandmaster, four-time Women's World Chess Champion, and the second highest-rated female player of all time. She was the youngest female player ever to qualify for the title of grandmaster, and the youngest ever to win the Women's World Chess Championship. Yifan shares the story behind her impressive accomplishments, and the most important lessons about life that we can glean from the game of chess.

Craig Domann is a sports agent, keynote speaker, and podcast host. As an experienced sports attorney, Craig represents successful NFL athletes, as well as a number of pro and college football coaches. Since becoming a registered NFLPA Member Contract Advisor in 1990, he has negotiated more than a billion dollars in contracts for more than 200 NFL athletes.

Annika Sörenstam is often regarded as the greatest female golfer of all time. During her 15-year career, Annika amassed over 90 worldwide victories, including 72 on the LPGA tour, and 11 Major Championships. She is also the only player in LPGA Tour history to finish 18 holes with a score of 59.

As a legend and leader in the hotel world, Horst Schulze created operating and service standards that have become world famous throughout the hospitality industry and beyond. Horst is a founding member of both the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company and The Capella Hotel Group, and is the author of "Excellence Wins:  A No Nonsense Guide to Becoming the Best in a World of Compromise."

Chris Voss is a former Lead FBI Negotiator, and author of the book, “Never Split the Difference.” He has lectured on negotiation at business schools across the country, and has been featured in both television and print media. In 2007, Chris founded The Black Swan Group, a negotiation training and consulting organization.