Cleared For Takeoff

Most people know Mount Everest as the tallest mountain on Earth.
Ryan Rivard knows it as a teacher.
Before standing on top of the world, Ryan experienced rock bottom. He battled addiction, lived out of his car, and fought to rebuild his life one decision at a time. Years later, after becoming sober, building a successful marketing agency, raising four children, and reclaiming his relationship with his father, he pursued one of the most dangerous challenges imaginable: summiting Mount Everest.
In this powerful conversation with Charles Eide, Ryan pulls back the curtain on what it's actually like to climb Everest. From navigating the deadly Khumbu Icefall and surviving the infamous Death Zone to witnessing life-and-death decisions on the mountain, he shares stories few people on Earth can tell.
But this episode is about much more than mountaineering.
Ryan explains why every person has an "Everest" in life, how focusing on the next ten steps can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles, why the journey matters more than the destination, and how faith, resilience, and community helped transform his life from addiction to purpose.
This conversation is equal parts adventure, leadership lesson, and reminder that no matter where you start, your future is not determined by your past.
In this episode you'll learn:
Why Ryan believes climbing Mount Everest is more mentally challenging than physically demanding.
The incredible journey from addiction and homelessness to becoming one of the few Americans to summit Everest.
What it's really like inside the Death Zone—and why more climbers die coming down than going up.
The simple mindset that helped Ryan overcome impossible moments: focusing on the next ten steps.
How recovery transformed not only Ryan's life but also restored his relationship with his father.
Why success isn't reaching the summit—it's becoming the person the journey requires.
The role faith, family, and purpose played in helping Ryan accomplish what once seemed impossible.
How letting go of shame can become the turning point that changes someone else's life.
Lessons from Everest that apply directly to business, leadership, and everyday challenges.
Why Ryan says everyone has an "Everest"—and how anyone can begin climbing theirs.
Meet Ryan:
Ryan Rivard is an entrepreneur, endurance athlete, marketing strategist, and one of the few Americans to successfully summit Mount Everest.
After overcoming addiction as a teenager, Ryan rebuilt his life through recovery, education, and entrepreneurship, eventually founding Bespoken, a marketing agency specializing in SEO, AI-powered marketing, and business growth. Today, he combines his experience in business with the life-changing lessons learned from some of the world's highest mountains.
Ryan is passionate about helping others overcome adversity, discover purpose, and pursue seemingly impossible goals. Through coaching, speaking, and his upcoming book, he shares a powerful message of resilience, faith, and personal transformation—proving that no matter where you begin, it's possible to reach extraordinary heights.

We spend years learning technical skills, building expertise, and chasing success.
But what if the thing that determines your success isn't what you know—it's how you manage yourself?
In this episode of Cleared For Takeoff, Charles sits down with international keynote speaker, executive coach, and emotional intelligence expert Rich Bracken to explore why EQ has become one of the most valuable leadership skills in today's world.
Rich shares the personal story of the panic attack that forced him to rethink everything, why emotional intelligence accounts for a massive portion of professional performance, and how leaders unknowingly create cultures of fear without realizing it.
Together, they dive into practical ways to improve self-awareness, build stronger teams, navigate difficult conversations, embrace vulnerability without appearing weak, and create workplaces where people feel seen, heard, and motivated to contribute their best ideas.
The conversation also explores how AI should free us to become more human—not less—and why the future belongs to leaders who can build trust, connection, and psychological safety.
Whether you're leading a company, managing a team, building a business, or simply trying to become a better communicator, this episode offers practical tools that can improve every relationship in your life.
In this episode you'll learn:
Why emotional intelligence predicts performance more than IQ• The simple 7-second habit that can change your reactions• Why "That's just the way I am" is one of the most dangerous leadership mindsets• How to build a culture where people actually share their best ideas• The balance between vulnerability and confidence as a leader• Why AI is creating more opportunities for human connection• How to become the kind of leader people willingly follow
Because success isn't just about being the smartest person in the room.
It's about bringing out the best in everyone else.
Meet Rich Bracken:
Rich Bracken is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, executive coach, and emotional intelligence expert who helps organizations build stronger leaders, healthier cultures, and higher-performing teams.
After a life-changing panic attack led him to discover the power of emotional intelligence, Rich dedicated his career to helping leaders improve self-awareness, communication, resilience, and human connection. Today, he speaks around the world to organizations of every size, combining research-backed leadership strategies with his unique background as a professional DJ to create unforgettable learning experiences.
Rich is also the creator of the acclaimed "Soundtrack for Success" keynote, blending music, psychology, and leadership into an interactive experience that's changing the way organizations think about emotional intelligence. He is also the author of an upcoming book on sustainable change and leadership transformation.

Dr. Paul Nystrom has spent more than two decades treating patients in emergency medicine, serving alongside Navy SEAL teams, working with SWAT units, and helping save lives in some of the most critical situations imaginable.
But after years of practicing medicine, he's become increasingly convinced that many of the biggest health challenges facing Americans today aren't caused by a lack of medication—they're caused by lifestyle choices, processed foods, and a healthcare system focused on treating symptoms instead of root causes.
In this episode, Charles and Dr. Nystrom discuss:
What it's really like working in a Level 1 Trauma Center
The most intense life-saving procedure performed in the ER
Why chronic disease has exploded in America
The truth about fat, cholesterol, and heart disease
Why insulin resistance may be the root of many health problems
The role food addiction plays in obesity and poor health
Hormones, sleep, sunlight, and preventative health
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and what people should know before taking them
Why personal responsibility is still the most powerful health intervention available
Whether you agree with every perspective or not, this conversation will challenge assumptions and encourage you to take a closer look at the habits shaping your health.
Meet Dr. Paul Nystrom:
Dr. Paul Nystrom is an Emergency Medicine physician, EMS Medical Director, Navy veteran, and SWAT team medical officer based in Minnesota.
After earning his medical degree shortly before 9/11, Dr. Nystrom joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Dive Medical Officer and worked alongside active-duty Navy SEAL teams. He later completed his Emergency Medicine residency at a Level 1 Trauma Center and has spent more than 20 years practicing medicine on the front lines of emergency care.
Today, in addition to treating patients, Dr. Nystrom educates public safety professionals on health, performance, nutrition, sleep, and longevity. His mission is simple: help people become healthier, stronger, and more capable through better information and personal responsibility.

Matt Vincent is not your average guest. He's a two-time World Highland Games Champion, a former Division I athlete at LSU, a content creator, coach, entrepreneur — and a man who has faced the kind of losses that break most people. Nine knee surgeries. Chronic pain. The end of a career he didn't see coming. The collapse of an identity he'd spent 20 years building.
In this deeply honest conversation with Charles Eide, Matt pulls back the curtain on what happened after the trophies stopped coming — and what it actually takes to rebuild a life worth living.
Matt shares the story of discovering the Highland Games through a message board in 2008, going from amateur competitor to world champion in just a few years, and then watching it all come apart when his knee began failing in 2016. What followed was not just physical trauma, but a full-on identity crisis — losing his sport, his community, his business foundation, and his ability to manage stress through training.
But what makes this conversation extraordinary isn't the fall — it's the rebuild. Matt walks through the tools that saved him: cold plunging, breathwork, journaling, gratitude practices, and learning to regulate his central nervous system. He explains, with remarkable clarity, how fight-or-flight culture keeps us trapped, why anxiety is just attachment to an outcome we're afraid won't happen, and how managing your nervous system is the single most powerful thing you can do for your business, your relationships, and your life.
If you've ever felt like your identity was too tied to what you do, if you're running on fumes and calling it drive, or if you've ever wondered whether there's a version of success that actually feels like yours — this episode is exactly what you need to hear.
Topics covered in this episode:
Growing up in small-town Louisiana and finding identity through sport
The path from LSU track and field to two-time World Highland Games Champion
Nine knee surgeries and a total knee replacement — and what chronic pain does to the soul
What happens when your identity disappears overnight
Cold plunging, breathwork, and the science of the central nervous system
Why fight-or-flight is keeping modern society stuck and manipulated
Matt's daily gratitude practice using a mala — and why it works neurologically
The "deload" principle: why strategic rest is the secret to sustainable high performance
Designing a life on your own terms — and what a perfect day actually looks like
Ego, identity, and how to let go of the story you've been telling yourself
Why arguing is a waste of energy — and what to do instead
Meet Matt Vincent:
Matt Vincent is a two-time World Highland Games Champion, former Division I track and field athlete at Louisiana State University, entrepreneur, content creator, and mindset coach. After competing at the elite level in one of the world's most physically demanding multi-event sports — throwing stones, weights, hammers, and cabers — Matt's career was derailed by a series of devastating knee injuries that ultimately required nine surgeries and a total knee replacement.
What followed was a profound personal reinvention. Drawing on mentorship from mobility pioneer Kelly Starrett (author of Becoming a Supple Leopard), exposure to Wim Hof breathwork, and years of disciplined journaling and self-inquiry, Matt rebuilt his life around the principles of nervous system regulation, intentional living, and radical gratitude. He now coaches individuals on performance mindset, leads retreats, creates digital content, and travels the country in his custom off-grid van — living proof that the best chapters of a life don't have to come first.
 

What separates successful people from everyone else? According to Dr. Dave Martin, it comes down to one thing: wisdom.
In this episode of Cleared For Takeoff, Charles Eide sits down with one of the world’s leading Christian success coaches for a powerful conversation about mindset, growth, habits, failure, faith, mentorship, and building a meaningful legacy.
Dr. Dave Martin shares his journey from growing up in poverty in rural Mississippi to becoming a globally recognized speaker, author, and mentor. Along the way, he reveals the lessons that changed his life, including how mentors transformed his thinking, why successful people never stop learning, and how one idea can completely alter your future.
The conversation dives deep into overcoming limiting beliefs, replacing bad habits, learning from failure, investing your time wisely, and creating a “cathedral mindset” focused on long-term impact rather than short-term success.
Charles and Dave also explore:
Why mindset determines your future
The difference between inheritance and legacy
Why fear of failure holds so many people back
The power of books, mentors, and personal development
How successful people think differently
Why visualization and written goals matter
The role faith and biblical principles play in leadership and business
How entrepreneurs can create their own economy during difficult times
This episode is filled with practical wisdom, unforgettable stories, and timeless principles that can help anyone grow personally, professionally, and spiritually.
Meet Dr. Dave Martin:
Dr. Dave Martin is an internationally recognized speaker, author, business coach, and leadership mentor known for teaching practical principles on success, mindset, personal growth, faith, and leadership.
Raised in a small town in Mississippi, Dr. Martin transformed his life through mentorship, learning, and a relentless commitment to personal development. Over the years, he has shared stages with some of the world’s most influential leaders and speakers, including Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, and Shark Tank personalities through the nationally recognized Get Motivated Tour.
Dr. Martin is the author of multiple bestselling books, including 12 Traits of the Greats, Make That Break That, The Force of Favor, and Another Shot. His teachings focus on helping people unlock their potential, develop wisdom, overcome limiting beliefs, and create lasting impact in both business and life.

What if burnout isn’t caused by working too hard… but by doing the wrong kind of work?
In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of Cleared for Takeoff, Charles Eide travels to Tennessee to sit down with leadership expert, bestselling author, and Working Genius creator Patrick Lencioni.
Known for bestselling books like The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Ideal Team Player, Pat has spent decades helping organizations build healthier teams and stronger cultures. But in this conversation, he shares something even deeper: the personal struggles, faith journey, and emotional breakthroughs that reshaped the way he thinks about leadership and life.
Pat and Charles discuss:
The real meaning behind humble, hungry, and smart
Why vulnerability is one of the greatest leadership strengths
How Working Genius accidentally became a global phenomenon
The hidden causes of burnout and frustration at work
Why great cultures are messy, human, and authentic
The dangers of chasing status, approval, and achievement
How faith transformed Pat’s understanding of success and identity
Why understanding your wiring can change your marriage, family, and team
This is a conversation about leadership, but it’s also about being human.
Working Genius Resources
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Meet Pat Lencioni
Patrick Lencioni is a bestselling author, speaker, and founder of The Table Group. For more than two decades, Pat has helped leaders and organizations build healthier teams, stronger cultures, and more effective businesses.
He is the author of multiple bestselling books including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, The Ideal Team Player, and Death by Meeting, with millions of copies sold worldwide.
Pat is also the creator of Working Genius, a powerful framework designed to help individuals and teams discover the types of work that give them energy and fulfillment.
Through his writing, speaking, and consulting, Pat continues to shape the way leaders think about teamwork, culture, trust, and the human side of business.
 
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David Fhima has built a global reputation for creating unforgettable restaurant experiences—but his story goes far beyond hospitality.
Born in Morocco and sent to boarding school at just seven years old, David’s early life was defined by chaos, displacement, and resilience. After eventually finding his footing in Europe, he made his way to the United States, where he worked his way up from a prep cook to owning and operating 27 restaurants.
In this episode, David opens up about the lessons that shaped him—from failure and loss to leadership and legacy. He challenges the way we think about success, arguing that what most people call “failures” are actually the moments that teach us how to keep winning.
He also breaks down the true secret behind great restaurants—and why it has nothing to do with food.
This conversation is about more than business. It’s about perspective, purpose, and what it really means to give more than you take.
In this episode we'll cover:
Failure Isn’t Failure—It’s the Lesson David reframes failure as the most valuable teacher in life. The hardest moments aren’t setbacks—they’re the foundation for long-term success.
Hospitality Is What Brings People Back Great food isn’t enough. What truly builds loyalty is how you make people feel—creating a sense of belonging and connection.
You Must Control the Vision You cannot have multiple visions inside a business. Clear direction and consistency are what allow culture and standards to scale.
The Three Rules That Apply to Everything
Integrity: Be honest with yourself
Relationships: Invest deeply in people
Embrace the chaos: Learn to prioritize, not eliminate it
Success Is Built in the Details From lighting and temperature to sound and smell—every detail shapes the customer experience, even the ones people don’t consciously notice.
Your Story Is Your Power For years, David ran from his past. It wasn’t until he embraced it that everything began to make sense—and fuel his purpose.
Meet David Fhima:
David Fhima is an internationally recognized restaurateur, entrepreneur, and hospitality leader known for creating deeply immersive dining experiences rooted in culture, connection, and storytelling.
Born in Casablanca, Morocco, David’s journey spans continents—from Europe to the United States—where he built a career that includes owning and operating 27 restaurants. His concepts blend global culinary influence with an unwavering commitment to hospitality.
Beyond the kitchen, David is a student of life, leadership, and human connection. His philosophy centers on integrity, relationships, and the belief that true success is measured by how much you give—not what you take.
He is currently working on his first book, sharing lessons on life, food, and the human experience.

In this episode of Cleared for Takeoff, Charles sits down with Rob McClanahan, a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that stunned the world and captured gold in one of the most iconic moments in sports history.
Rob shares never-before-heard stories from behind the scenes—what it was really like playing under legendary coach Herb Brooks, the grueling preparation that pushed the team beyond their limits, and the mental toughness required to compete against the dominant Soviet team.
But this conversation goes far beyond hockey. Rob opens up about self-doubt, discipline, leadership, and the power of preparation meeting opportunity. From growing up in Minnesota to standing on the Olympic podium, his journey is packed with lessons on teamwork, resilience, and what it truly means to earn success.
Whether you’re an athlete, leader, or someone chasing a big goal, this episode is a masterclass in performing under pressure—and proving you’re capable of more than you ever imagined.
 
In this episode we'll cover:
Preparation Creates Opportunity Success isn’t luck—it’s the result of relentless preparation meeting the right moment.
You’re Capable of More Than You Think The 1980 team didn’t believe they’d win gold—but they believed in the work they put in.
Discipline Beats Talent Alone Conditioning, structure, and consistency gave the U.S. team a competitive edge late in games.
Great Teams Are Truly Selfless No one cared who scored—the only thing that mattered was winning together.
Adversity Builds Strength Grueling practices and setbacks weren’t punishment—they were preparation.
Confidence vs. Self-Doubt Even at the highest level, doubt exists—but it can fuel growth if channeled correctly.
Leadership Is About Pushing Limits Herb Brooks demanded more because he believed his players were capable of more.
Meet Rob McClanahan:
Rob McClanahan is a former professional hockey player and Olympic gold medalist, best known for his role on the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that achieved the historic “Miracle on Ice.”
A Minnesota native, Rob played collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota before being selected for the U.S. Olympic team. After winning gold, he went on to play in the NHL with the New York Rangers.
Today, Rob is a sought-after speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, teamwork, and high performance drawn from his experience at the highest level of competition. His story continues to inspire individuals and organizations striving to achieve extraordinary results through discipline, preparation, and belief.
 

In this episode of Cleared For Takeoff, Charles sits down with Andy King—one of the most recognizable figures from the Fyre Festival—to uncover the full story behind the headlines.
Andy takes us deep into his 35-year career as a world-class event planner, from producing multi-million dollar experiences for companies like PepsiCo to becoming America’s first corporate concierge. But the conversation quickly turns to the moment that changed everything: Fyre Festival.
With unprecedented detail, Andy walks through the chaos of trying to save the event in just six weeks, the leadership breakdown behind the scenes, and the viral moment that brought it all crashing down.
Beyond the failure, Andy shares powerful lessons on leadership, accountability, and knowing when to walk away. He also opens up about his upbringing, the drive to prove himself, and how he’s used one of the most public failures in modern pop culture to build a new platform focused on growth, community, and resilience.
This episode is not just about what went wrong—it’s about what comes next.
In this episode you'll learn:
The real story behind Fyre Festival: What actually happened in the final six weeks—and why it was doomed from the start
The power (and danger) of hype: How world-class marketing can outpace reality
A single moment can change everything: The viral “cheese sandwich” that collapsed the entire event
Leadership under pressure: What it’s like to make decisions when everything is falling apart
Why you need to fire bad clients: Protecting your brand and reputation at all costs
Failure as fuel: How Andy turned global embarrassment into a platform for impact
The future of live events: Why in-person connection will only become more valuable
Under-promise, over-deliver: The core philosophy behind successful events at any scale
Meet Andy King:
Andy King is a globally recognized event producer and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience creating high-end experiences for Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, and elite clientele.
He rose to prominence as “America’s first corporate concierge,” working with brands like PepsiCo to redefine employee and executive experiences. Over the course of his career, Andy has produced multi-million dollar events around the world, earning a reputation for creativity, precision, and the ability to deliver the impossible.
Andy became a household name following his appearance in the Netflix documentary on the Fyre Festival, where he was featured for his efforts to salvage the ill-fated event.
Today, he is a sought-after speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, failure, and resilience. He is also the author of the upcoming book Event Alchemy, where he outlines the principles behind creating meaningful, large-scale experiences.

Jerrid Sebesta had what most people would call the dream—he was a well-known TV weatherman, recognized in his community, financially stable, and on track for long-term success. But behind the scenes, something felt off.
In this powerful conversation, Jerrid opens up about the internal struggle that led him to walk away from his career at its peak, and the identity crisis that followed. What unfolds is a raw and deeply human story of transformation—one that includes loss, uncertainty, and moments that would break most people.
Instead, those moments became the catalyst for something greater.
Jerrid shares how he went from living in constant stress and fear to discovering a new way of thinking—one rooted in alignment, belief, and what he calls “expanding your capacity to receive.” He breaks down how our mindset, belief systems, and willingness to embrace discomfort ultimately shape the life we experience.
This episode dives into:
Why most people stay stuck in lives that don’t align with who they are
The difference between pain and suffering—and why one is optional
How fear and uncertainty can actually be the gateway to growth
What it really means to “go all in” on your life
The internal work required to create external success
If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or like there’s something more for you—this conversation will challenge the way you think and inspire you to take action.
In this episode you'll learn:
Alignment over achievement: External success means nothing if it doesn’t align with who you truly are.
Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional: Life will challenge you—but how long you suffer is a choice.
Your identity must evolve: To create a new life, you must become a new person.
Fear is a signal, not a stop sign: The things you avoid may be the exact things meant to elevate you.
Letting go creates space for growth: Sometimes the next level requires shedding what no longer serves you.
Mindset drives reality: Your beliefs shape what you think is possible—and ultimately what you experience.
Go all in: Real transformation happens when you fully commit, not when you “try.”
Life happens for you, not to you: Shifting this perspective can unlock growth in even the hardest moments.
Meet Jerrid Sebesta:
Jerrid Sebesta is a speaker, author, and coach focused on helping individuals break through mental barriers and step into a more aligned, fulfilling life.
Before stepping into this work, Jerrid spent over a decade as a TV weatherman, building a successful and recognizable career across major markets, including his home state of Minnesota. Despite his outward success, he felt a deeper calling—and ultimately walked away from it all to pursue a new path.
Today, Jerrid speaks to individuals, teams, and organizations about mindset, belief systems, and personal transformation. Through his work, he challenges people to rethink what’s possible, expand their capacity for growth, and create a life that truly reflects who they are.