Create with Franz

What does a world-renowned opera star, actor, and international producer know about self-reliance? Absolutely everything. Having performed on the world's biggest stages in over 50 countries, Mark Janicello has lived a life of high-stakes pressure, massive creative reinventions, and raw survival. He knows firsthand that when the curtain falls on a crisis, there is only one person who can get you through: the person looking back at you in the mirror.

In this high-energy, no-nonsense conversation, Mark strips away the fluff of modern self-help and delivers a street-smart blueprint for taking back your power. He challenges us to...

Mindset and money are crucial for self-reliance, but eventually, you have to build something with your own two hands.

In this episode, we sit down with Dave Gulas, co-founder of EZDC 3PL and host of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast. After 20 years in corporate sales, Dave decided to build a podcast from scratch with zero budget, zero tech skills, and zero permission. Today, nearly 300 episodes later, his show ranks in the top 1.5% globally.

Dave joins us to expose the "permission trap"—why we hide behind endless research, courses, and credentials instead of just doing the work. He...

What if sound is more than just a background track to our lives, but a fundamental tool for building brain function and human connection? Join us for an immersive conversation with Emmy-winning composer, jazz saxophonist, and educator Hayes Greenfield. With a career spanning over 70 film scores and decades of live performance, Hayes explores the "Human Premium"—the raw, tactile power of sound that transcends language barriers. 

Beyond the stage, Hayes is transforming early childhood education and neurocognitive care through his Creative Sound Play initiative. Supported by leaders in neuroscience, his work demonstrates how intentional listening and sound-making bri...

Are you a middle aged woman on the top of your career in a high-stakes environment? Maybe you are the one everyone depends on—meeting deadlines and managing teams with outward grace. But internally, the cost of "over-functioning" and now redesigning your role with AI in mind, has become unsustainable. If traditional productivity hacks like time-blocking and mindset reframes are making you feel worse,  if rest makes you feel guilty, it's time to look beneath the surface.

In this episode, Dr. Julie Merriman explains why midlife burnout is a nervous system injury, not a lack of discipline. We...

I had the great experience of sitting down with Jeralyn Glass, an internationally acclaimed opera star turned sound healing pioneer and author of Sacred Vibrations. Following the tragic loss of her son, Jeralyn transitioned from the stages of Broadway to the forefront of holistic medicine, discovering how crystalline sound can act as a powerful healing tool for the mind and body.

From a scientific perspective, sound healing is rooted in the principles of entrainment and vibro-acoustics. Every organ and cell in the human body vibrates at a specific frequency; when we are stressed or ill, these frequencies...

As the world debates if AI will take our jobs, playwright and CTO Doug Clarke is worried about something much quieter:

is AI taking our humanity and replacing our friends and therapists?

In this frank chat, we dive into the meaning of our relationship with artificial intelligence through the unique intersection of Hollywood innovation and the Off-Broadway stage.

Doug shares his journey from building high-level tech systems at DTS and IMAX to writing deeply vulnerable plays like Soulmate and Anxious Attachment. We explore the seductive danger of AI companions—tools that never tire, ne...

Is ADHD creating a gap between you and your partner? 

Maybe you cannot organize household tasks and chores, bills, appointments and shopping. You then get blamed by your partner for 'not caring', forgetting everything that is not written, being 'lazy' and 'not being there.' The accusations escalate and you become offended and defensive. Your partner might act like your parent taking over all the duties that you seem unable to take responsibility for.

In the end, your relationship cracks. You stop taking holidays together and doing anything with your partner because it ends up i...

Have you ever looked at a piece of art in your home and felt… nothing? In a world of fleeting trends and mass-produced convenience, many of us end up with spaces that look "correct" but feel completely disconnected from who we actually are.

We buy what is fashionable or what fits the sofa, yet we remain spiritually hungry for a deeper connection to our surroundings.

The solution isn't to buy more art, but to understand the "why" behind your own intuition. Sonya Sparks, founder of the Sparks Gallery in San Diego, believes that art is th...

If you've ever felt unwanted or stuck in the shadows of your past, there is a way back to your center. Today, Nathaniel Allenby shares how he used a 28,000-mile cycling journey across ten countries to transform survival into artistry and find the purpose he thought was lost.

For those who have suffered from abuse or low confidence, the world can feel like a turbulent place where finding your path feels impossible. After surviving muggings in London and the physical toll of global travel, Nathaniel returned to found Cirque Quirk, San Diego's highest-rated circus entertainment company.

Have you heard the "autopilot" fear currently running through the creative world? It's the nagging thought that says: Why bother training for a career in voiceover when an AI can clone a voice in seconds? Many aspiring artists are stalling before they even begin, convinced that the machine has already won the race.

But is a cloned voice actually the same as a human story? Or are we confusing "data" with "connection"? Let's make the case that while AI can create realistic digital avatars, it currently lacks the emotional depth, spontaneity, and "soul" that define human performance. 

So, you want to be an artist. But there is a "but" here, isn't there? A chorus of internal voices holding you back: I'll never get paid for this. Nobody will like it. I don't have time. It isn't a "real" career.

If you've listened to our previous conversations on the "autopilot" brain, you'll recognise these as the classic scarcity narratives—the mental traps that lead to analysis paralysis before you even pick up a brush. We convince ourselves that in a world of Canva and AI, the human artist is obsolete. But what if that's just a...

Have you ever felt that a diagnosis—for yourself or your child—was a definitive label of limitation? In the US and beyond, an ADHD diagnosis often arrives with a heavy cloud of fear: fear of academic failure, social struggle, and a lifetime of being "difficult." We fall into the autopilot habit of asking, "What is wrong with this person?" when the real question should be, "What is getting in the way?"

The solution isn't found in a label, but in understanding how the brain processes information. This is the life's work of Dr. Connie McReynolds. With over...

If you have listened to a few episodes of Create with Franz, you probably noticed how many times we mentioned that we often act in automatic mode, without much thinking, and we repeat the same mistakes over and over. You also learned that while habits are hard to break, change is possible for everyone.

This is particularly important when it comes to those youth who, for various reasons, are embracing gang life, criminal behaviour, drugs, drinking, smoking and many other dangerous lifestyles that eventually lead into serious issues.

What if the solution is to retrain...

Have you noticed how easily we fall into "panic mode" when we see technology evolving faster than we can keep up? Many artists and creators are currently operating on a high-stress autopilot, fearing that AI is coming for their livelihoods.

We've been conditioned to think that if we just work faster or lower our prices, we might survive the digital shift. But what if the "race to the bottom" is a habit we can break?

What if the real threat isn't the technology itself, but a lack of structure and a failure in how we...

"Art isn't just for the elite or the political mural; it is a tool for collective liberation and a sustainable career."

Many creators believe that "true art" and business cannot coexist, leading to the "starving artist" trap. Jaelyn Singleton breaks this myth by sharing a strategic blueprint for transforming raw creativity into a sustainable professional venture. This conversation explores how to build a commercial structure around your passion without losing the soul of your work.

We discuss the shift from being a "hobbyist" to a "founder" and the specific mindset required to price your human...

"A CV is not a list of jobs; it is a story of capability."

A CV is not just a list of jobs; it is a story of your capability. Most people believe a degree alone will get them hired, but in an AI-saturated market, academic theory is failing. In this episode, our guest reveals the invisible asset of emotional intelligence—the one skill a machine can never replicate.

I learned about the critical misalignment between education and employment with Dr. Tamara Nall, a Harvard MBA and Global Leader in AI-Human Relationships Movement. 

Tam...

"We are drowning in prose, but we are starving for presence."

We are drowning in prose, but we are starving for presence. Most of us left poetry behind in the classroom, but in a world dominated by data and AI, we are losing the language required to process our own internal lives. Today, my guest reveals why poetry is a biological circuit breaker for the high-pressure mind and how to find your human premium in the noise

In this episode, we discuss the "humanizing" power of poetry with Robert Minicucci, a 25-year healthcare marketing veteran...

Did you know that your biggest mistakes happen in the half-second before you even start thinking? Today, Andreas Reharso reveals how your 'predictive brain' secretly hijacks your judgment and the 10-second micro-rituals you need to stay in Creative Human Mode.

In this episode, we discuss the "billion-dollar half-second"—the tiny window of time between a trigger and a reaction where leadership is actually won or lost. While we think we are analyzing facts, our nervous system is often already reacting, rationalizing a biological reflex instead of leading with intent.

My guest, Andreas Reharso defines how th...

If the rise of AI has you in 'panic mode,' it's time to rewire that fear; today, filmmaker Weam Namou shares how she used her core values to turn technology into a tool that responds to your soul.

Weam spent years breaking through the barriers of Hollywood to become an award-winning filmmaker and author of 20 books. She didn't survive that journey by luck; she did it by using her faith and vision as a vibrant, living filter for every challenge she faced.

In this episode, we discuss strategies to turn the "AI wave" from...

"If you feel like you're working hard but still leaking money, it's not an income problem—it's an architecture problem."

If you are praying for a financial overflow but operating with a leaky system, you aren't ready for the blessing yet. Today, Terence Townsend shares how he went from homelessness to international business by fixing his spiritual architecture—and how you can do the same

In this episode, Terence Townsend—author of Financial Prudence: The Way of the Kingdom—reveals how he went from a homeless minister with a wife and four children to launching internat...

Why do we make decisions we later regret? Most of us live on "Autopilot." We react to emails, stress, and triggers before our conscious mind even has a chance to intervene. In this episode, former Singaporean MP and transformative coach Carrie Tan joins me to discuss her book, Micro Moments. She reveals a startling truth: your brain doesn't see reality—it predicts it based on your past.

Carrie explains that the secret to better leadership and a more peaceful life isn't found in better data or faster AI, but in the "Micro Moment." By learning how to pa...

Are you an experienced professional who feels suddenly overlooked?

You have the track record, the skills, and the work ethic—yet your résumé is hitting a wall, and the rise of AI has you wondering if your "judgment" is still a valuable currency. If you feel stuck or invisible in today's market, it's not because you lack talent; it's because the rules of "visibility" have changed.

Today, we have the pleasure to learn from James Wilkson, Managing Partner at AEC Global Search Consultants. With over 40 years in executive search, James is a true gatekeeper who...

In an era of constant digital "slop" and chaotic noise, our nervous systems are stuck in a perpetual state of "fight or flight." We try to find peace through scrolling, only to feel more disconnected. But what if the secret to recalibrating your body and soul was as simple as a heartbeat?

Today, we are joined by Jerald Simon,  LDS composer, author, and founder of Music Motivation. Jerald doesn't just write music; he builds biological "pacemakers." By composing at a steady 60 beats per minute, Jerald's music mimics the resting human heart, coaching your body to shift from s...

Are you sending out hundreds of resumes only to be met with total silence?

When the responses don't come, it's easy to start doubting your worth. You wonder if you're good enough, and that insecurity starts to bleed into your daily life. But what if the problem isn't you? What if the problem is a "filter" that doesn't even know you exist?

Today, we are joined by Aleksandra Lemańska, the founder of LemanSkills and a powerhouse leadership strategist. A former professional violinist turned Management Engineer and Startup Founder, Aleksandra's journey is one of incredible r...

Are you failing to get hired because you lack talent, or because the system is broken?

In 2026, hiring has become reactive and performative. Companies are chasing titles without defining roles, leaving talented professionals stuck in a cycle of burnout and "hiring failures." Today, we are joined by Stephanie Michelle Pimentel, the "LATAM Whisperer" and founder of Lumena Global Advisory. 

From a background in forensic psychology to building a global advisory firm from scratch, Stephanie has navigated the complex world of U.S.–Latin American expansion with one core rule: Mindset before mechanics.

Stephanie pul...

Are you building a career on autopilot, or are you actually in the driver's seat?

Today, we meet Billy Moyer, a man who started his first company at 21 using his childhood savings bonds and has since founded over a dozen businesses. As the CEO of SOS Leadership, Billy has spent his life answering one question: Why do talented leaders get stuck?

He argues that most of us are leading from the "Upside Down"—focusing so hard on external results and "chasing identity before income" that we forget to check the internal drivers shaping our decisions. Bi...

Is your career stuck because of a skills gap—or a character gap?

In 2026, when everyone is using the same AI tools, the only way to stand out is through your humanity. Today, we're joined by Jim Carlough, the Leadership Identity Architect. Mentored under the legendary Ross Perot, Jim has spent 30 years learning that true success isn't about power—it's about the 6 Pillars of Character.

Jim shares how to navigate the shift from "just an employee" to an indispensable leader who leads with care, integrity, and humor. This episode is a masterclass in reinventing your prof...

What do you do when the plan falls apart? In 2026, we are told that AI will solve everything, but many of us feel more disconnected and overwhelmed than ever.

Today, we are joined by Dr. Diane Dye, a nationally recognized strategist and CEO advisor who turned her own layoff into a doctorate and a groundbreaking framework. Diane is here to help us navigate the heavy emotions of unemployment and reinvent our biggest setbacks into what she calls "Critical Opportunities."

We dive into why AI hasn't actually made office work "better" and how the growing gap...

Is your daily to-do list stopping you from actually enjoying your life?

We've all been there—buried under "grunt work," feeling like a tiny cog in a giant machine. My guest today, Terence Townsend, says it's time to step out of the "engine room."

Terence is back to show us that you don't need to be a tech genius to win in 2026. He teaches us how to move from being an Operator (the person doing all the boring, repetitive tasks) to an Architect (the person who designs a better way to work).

We're ta...

In 2026, the job market feels more like a broken machine than a ladder to success. On one side, we have high-performing professionals drowning in burnout, doing the work of three people just to stay afloat. On the other side, we have brilliant, experienced women—many in their 40s with degrees and decades of expertise—who send out 80 resumes and receive nothing but silence.

Today, I'm joined by leadership strategist and HEART Goals™ creator, Charlene Ridley. Charlene doesn't just offer "hustle" advice; she offers a professional audit for your soul. We dive deep into why 80% of employees are burnin...

What if the only thing standing between you and your success is a "bug" in your mental software?

Blessing Platinum-Williams spent years living under a self-fulfilling prophecy. Told from a young age that she was "stupid" and would never amount to anything, those words became a background program that killed her confidence. Today, she is a lawyer, a software developer, and the creator of Tonely AI—but reaching this level required a total system overhaul.

Blessing reveals the exact roadmap she took to break free, navigating through 80 hours of therapy and a deep spiritual renewal. If...

Imagine staring death in the face, being declared brain-dead, and surviving only to be told you may never walk, speak, or think clearly again. That was the reality for former professional free-rider Matt Potratz after a massive avalanche crushed his body and left him in a coma for 41 days.

In this gripping conversation, Matt shares the raw, life-changing lessons he learned during his 88 days in the hospital and his arduous journey of recovery. He reveals how his accident didn't just break his body—it ignited a vibrant, passionate new walk with God.

Matt's story is a...

You can be searching for meaning everywhere—in religion, in politics, in service—and still feel utterly broken inside. What if that deep emptiness is the one thing blocking your healing from PTSD and anxiety?

Justin McLane shares a powerful story of radical transformation. Raised in an anti-Christian home, Justin spent nearly 28 years actively practicing paganism... in an attempt to fill a persistent void and overcome a deep feeling of emptiness.

As a U.S. Army Combat veteran, Justin recounts how his internal battles with PTSD, depression, and anxiety mirrored his external search for meaning. His...

Are you tired of hearing the same old marriage advice? ("Happy wife, happy life," "Learn to compromise")? Maybe what the experts tell you leaves you feeling frustrated, disconnected, and battling resentment.

In this game-changing episode, we host Monica Tanner, Relationship Coach, host of the Secrets of Happily Ever After podcast, and Amazon Best-Selling author of Bad Marriage Advice: 15 myths that will make you miserable.

Monica is here to teach you how to stop settling and start building your marriage on holy ground. She tackles the single biggest mindset trap couples fall into and shares simple...

If you have been deeply hurt in some way, you know how difficult it is to forgive and move on. You might feel uncertain on what the future holds for you. Today, Helen Glanville shares with us a powerful, deeply personal story of love, loss, and public judgment that led her to a profound truth: faith is the only anchor in uncertainty.

Helen faced intense scrutiny after falling in love with a lawyer involved in one of Australia's most publicized white-collar crimes. She discovered that her survival—and healing—depended on the radical choice to forgive. Helen foun...

The Christmas season is meant to be a time of peace and joy, but for many, it's a season of stress, conflict, and heartache. Are you worried about an impending divorce, family disputes, blended family friction, or the strain of unemployment, depression, or abuse? You are not alone.

In this special holiday episode, I discuss this rather prickly issue with Clive Twain, an offshore helicopter captain in the UK. A lifetime friend, committed Christian, and author of the highly-praised book, Grace for Grace, Clive lives in the UK with his wife and daughters.

Over an...

Do you believe peace is possible when chaos is everywhere? Are you caught in the exhaustion of trying to control everything, leading to spiritual drift and burnout?

In this episode, we reveal that peace is not a reward; it is a spiritual choice that results in stability.

I had a chat with Rev. Dr. A'Shellarien Addison, the first woman Chaplain in the 240-year history of the Delaware Army National Guard, a spiritual clinical trauma-informed practitioner, and author.

Dr. Addison shares her personal journey of nearly losing her peace while juggling high-pressure leadership and...

Are you overworking and underliving? This episode is for the high achiever, the executive, and the entrepreneur who is ready to reach their next level without the hustle and grind.

I speak with Dawn Ledet, The Self-Trust Coach, about her personal journey from executive burnout to becoming a self-trust expert. Dawn shares the moment she hit a wall—even selling her car in a desperate attempt to force herself to stop overworking—and how that battle became a beautiful window into deeper faith.

Dawn breaks down the myth that hustle is your greatest strategic advantage and...

What happens when your deepest crisis becomes your greatest spiritual awakening?

In this powerful conversation, Siobhan Shaw shares a profound, life-altering testimony about her journey through a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. She reveals how this crisis led her into a life of unmistakable divine whispers and supernatural direction that guided her medical and life choices. Siobhan discusses the simple, yet radical, truth that transformed her: when God asks you to rewrite your story, you must pick up the pen.

This episode is a raw, beautiful look at what it means to live in a constant state...

Grief isn't always about loss of life—it can be about the loss of the life you imagined. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Katy Parker, a trauma-informed grief and loss coach and the compassionate force behind the Journeyofsmiley blog.

Katy opens up about her personal journey as a trauma survivor and chronic pain warrior, explaining why many of us don't even realize we are carrying invisible grief. She defines this unacknowledged pain—the loss of health, innocence, safety, or time—and how it quietly controls our lives.

You'll learn the vital first step t...