Cracking the Code

40 Episodes
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By: Ryan Skinner

Each day, I seek guidance from God to use my talents to serve others, bringing genuine value to those around me. My profound journey has strengthened my connection with divinity and humanity, shaping me into a person dedicated to serving others. Reflecting on my experiences, I feel compelled to share my story through a podcast. Discussing mental health, addiction, and purpose, I aim to provide hope and support to those grappling with challenges like depression, anxiety, and addiction. My driving force is the desire to make a positive impact, and this podcast is an extension of that mission, spreading awareness...

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Episode 51: Being Authentic In An AI World
06/02/2025

In a world where things are run by AI/computers, Apex Retirement Services offers authenticity and personalized retirement planning tailored to each client's individual needs.



episode 50 Jake
01/30/2025

On this edition of Cracking The Code Ryan Skinner speaks with Jake Sutterlun



Episode 48 featuring Arias Webster
01/21/2025

In this episode Ryan spoke with Arias Webster.


Episode 47: Finding the Hero Inside You with Mark Collins
12/16/2024

On this edition of Cracking the Code Ryan had on Mark Collins, founder of Freedom for Life. His passion for life mastery was born from a desire to have the life for which he believed he was created—one where fear, doubt, and imposter syndrome were no longer in the rearview mirror.  


Over the course of the past 10 years, Mark has instructed, coached, and mentored over 500 people in their freedom journey and seen many students overcome major obstacles that have hindered them from living the life they wanted. 

 

Throughout the episod...


Episode 46: Healing is always possible with Jo Weatherford
12/02/2024

On this edition of Cracking the Code Ryan has a renowned TEDx speaker and recovery coach, Jo Weatherford. Jo has her master's degree in human development and spent 12 years teaching courses on addiction at the University of Nevada. 


During the episode, Jo dove deep into her journey to recovery and the trials and tribulations of divorce. From a young age, Jo worked hard to be the perfect kid. Growing up in a household where the standard was “I love you as long as you’re smart, pretty, etc.” set a high standard. She worked hard to...


Episode 45: A Star in the Sky with Alan Lazaros
11/04/2024

On this episode of Cracking the Code Ryan has on Alan Lazaros, founder and CEO of Next Level University. Alan leads a global team at NLU and has given hundreds of trainings all over the world. He has happily completed thousands of one-on-one coaching calls with clients. Alan received a bachelor's degree from Worcester Polytech Institute in engineering.


During this episode, Alan opened up and discussed the impact of losing his father in a car accident at the young age of two years. His stepfather was a part of his life from the age...


Episode 44: Be the CEO of your life! Featuring David Nordel
10/07/2024

This episode was filmed on October 3rd which was the 31st anniversary of Black Hawk Down. We want to honor those who lost their lives that day. Thank you to all the brave men and women who fight for our freedoms. 


On this episode of Cracking the Code Ryan has on David Nordel founder and owner of Max Fab Consulting and Vet READY, Inc which provides keynote leadership, organizational growth, and strategic guidance. He is a retired United States Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant with over 30 years of service; he holds a bachelor’s deg...


Episode 43: Changing your environment with Kevin Palmieri
09/03/2024

On this episode of Cracking the Code Ryan has on Kevin Palmieri, founder of Next Level University and host of a top 100 podcast with over 2600 episodes which has grown into a 1 million plus revenue business.


Kevin shares with Ryan how despite "having it all" in his mid-20s he still struggled with his mental health. After hitting rock bottom, he went all in on holistic self-improvement. Kevin was determined to overcome his anxiety and depression. He discusses how during a really difficult time he reached out to a good friend who gave him hope...


Episode 42: The importance of asking the question with Jeanne Omlor
08/12/2024

On this edition of Cracking the Code Ryan has on special guest Jeanne Omlor. Jeanne is a business strategist, a 7-figure online business coach, and a certified servant leadership executive coach.


During this episode, Ryan and Jeanne discuss the importance of asking questions and not operating on assumptions. No matter whether it is in your job, hiring a new employee, or touring colleges with your children it is important to get answers so you can gain clarity and make informed decisions. Jeanne dives into her childhood and how her parents up and moved 10 kids...


Ryan's guest appearance on #NoLimits podcast with Shelley Kenow
07/08/2024

This week, we're sharing Ryan's interview on the #NoLimits podcast with host Shelley Kenow. During this interview, Ryan touches on his journey to recovery, getting comfortable with being his true self, raising a child with autism, and so much more. For the video version be sure to check out Shelley Kenow's YouTube Channel, Shelley Kenow Special Education Consultant.


To learn more about Shelley's coaching business you can check out her website at

https://www.shelleykenow.com/


Thank you Shelley for having Ryan on and allowing him to...


Episode 41: Cancer Warrior with Terry Tucker
07/01/2024

On this episode of Cracking the Code, Ryan has on speaker and author Terry Tucker. Terry has had several different careers throughout his life, including a police officer, marketing executive, hospital administrator, SWAT Hostage Negotiator, business owner, and for the past twelve years, a cancer warrior.


Throughout the episode, Terry goes into his career as a police officer and what led him to that career. He also touches on the books he has written his twelve-year battle with cancer and how he has stayed resilient and managed to find hope in it all.

<...


Episode 40: Being Kind is Free with Sam Mitchell
06/17/2024

On this episode of Cracking the Code Ryan has on special guest Sam Mitchell. Sam is a young man living with autism. He established Autism Rocks and Rolls in October of 2019 at just 20 years old. It began with a simple interest in media when he was a junior in high school. This interest in media led him to become an entrepreneur by creating his own Non-profit and podcast, Autism Rocks and Rolls Corporation.


During the episode, Ryan shares his connection with Autism as his 4-year-old daughter has autism. He talks about finding out that h...


Episode 39: The Importance of a Good Teacher with Danny Kofke
06/10/2024

On this episode of Cracking the Code, Ryan has on Danny Kofke. Danny is a former teacher, author, and financial educator. After being an elementary school teacher for 18 years, he left the classroom in 2020 to work with Mentoro - a financial education company. His love of teaching and personal finance led him to write five personal finance books including The Wealthy Teacher: Lessons For Prospering On A School Teacher’s Salary. 


Danny’s everyday approach to handling money has led him to appear on numerous television shows including Fox & Friends, The CBS Early Show, CNN’s...


Episode 38: Reaching the "Flow State" with Colin Branch
06/03/2024

On this episode of Cracking the Code, Ryan has on his good friend and former NFL player Colin Branch. Branch played college football at Stanford. As a senior in 2002, he was named Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 after compiling 69 tackles. He went on to play in the National Football League in 2003. During this episode, Colin discusses his NFL career and the journey to getting to the pros. He also talks about life after football and the struggles professional athletes go through when stepping away from the sport they dedicated their lives too. He also talks about reaching the flow state where e...


Episode 37: Default Mode Network with Hosein Kouros-Mehr
05/27/2024

On this episode of Cracking the Code, Ryan has on author and physician-scientist, Hosein Kouros-Mehr. Throughout the episode, they discuss a variety of topics including Hosein's new book, Break Through, and his discovery of the default mode network (DMN).


Hosein recognized the extraordinary ramifications of a recent scientific discovery: the default mode network (DMN), which encodes the human ego and influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.  


Recognizing the profound impact of this breakthrough on self-understanding (both from clinical and personal experience), he wrote Break Through: Master Your Default Mode an...


Episode 36: Don't be afraid to make mistakes!
05/20/2024

On this week's episode of Cracking the Code, Ryan has on Steve Kopshaw, a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for business growth. During the episode, Steve discusses his early years of being a personal trainer and managing large boxing gyms. His journey into entrepreneurship was fueled by a relentless drive to do and be better. Experience has been his greatest educator providing him with profound leadership and communication skills, adaptable to diverse geographic and business contexts. One lesson he shared is don't be afraid to make mistakes. Steve's mission is to help every health and wellness entrepreneur accomplish their d...


Episode 35: I'm not here to get sober, I'm here to get happy.
05/13/2024

On this episode of Cracking the Code Ryan has on his dear friend Jim who has been an instrumental part in Ryan's recovery. Jim dives into his childhood and how at a young age he went down a difficult path of trial and tribulations. Jim is proud to say he is 42 years sober and is helping other individuals on their journey to recovery.



This episode includes a discussion of suicidal ideation. Please keep this in mind when deciding how and when you'll listen to the episode. For resources on this topic...


Episode 34: Recovery Man
05/08/2024

On this episode of Cracking the Code, Ryan has on his dear friend Armen. During this episode, Armen discusses his childhood, and journey to recovery. He also offers some wisdom to those who might be struggling with their recovery. Armen has been sober for 30 years and looks at every day as a blessing. One of the biggest lessons Armen shared with us is that you need to learn to accept the things you can't control.


Episode 34: The Last Resort
04/29/2024

On this episode of Cracking the Code, Ryan has on his dear friend Armen. Armen grew up in an Armenian household in Watertown, MA, and later moved to Florida where he spent the majority of his teenage and early adulthood years.


At the age of twelve Armen attended a KISS concert and from that night began down a troubled path, getting into fights and spending some time in jail. In 93' Armen officially began his journey to recovery which he references as "the last resort". Armen has been sober for 30 years. Through this recovery...


Episode 33: Finding your voice with Dr. Lauren Krueger Weeks
04/22/2024

On this episode of Cracking the Code, Ryan sits down with someone who has had a profound impact on not only his daughter's life but also his own. Dr. Lauren Krueger Weeks is the founder and director of F.U.S.E, a private non-profit school for preschool to 1st grade that also offers after-school group programs and therapeutic summer programs. The school educates typical children and children with social and emotional challenges (such as ADHD, High-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Social Communications Disorder, etc..) Through this episode, they discuss Lauren's journey to getting where she is today and...


Episode 32: Providing a different outlook on life with Claude Brown
04/15/2024

On this week's podcast episode, Ryan sits down with Claude Brown. Ryan had the honor of meeting Claude at a mentoring event for inmates. He saw how Claude worked to help them get through challenging times. Since then, they have become good friends.


During this episode, Claude speaks on his upbringing and the difficult things he went through, and how it led him down a bad path. Claude has since changed his life around and works to help others who have experienced similar things.


If you're interested in learning...


Episode 30: Solutions for Men
04/08/2024

On this episode of Cracking the Code, one of Ryan's dear friends, Bob Balfour comes on with his business partner and friend, John Perry to discuss their new coaching business, Solutions for Men, and their own individual journeys to recovery.


Solutions for Men is committed to empowering men on their journey towards holistic health, wellness, and recovery. Their mission is to provide a supportive and informative online platform where men can find the guidance, resources, and community they need to take charge of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.


...


Episode 31: Vulnerability
04/01/2024

On this episode of Cracking the Code, Ryan sits down with good friend Eric Mazzeo for a heartfelt conversation about how vulnerability is an important part of recovery.


Eric is the Assistant Director of Youth Substance Abuse Prevention for the town of Everett.


Episode 29 - Anchors of Wisdom: Navigating Life, Business, and Relationships with Nicholas and Ryan
02/27/2024

The conversation delves into various aspects of personal and professional development, emphasizing the importance of faith, discipline, empathy, and self-awareness in navigating life's challenges.


Episode 28: Life, Resilience, and Baking: A Conversation with a Remarkable Guest.
01/23/2024

Ryan and Marie cover personal experiences, life lessons, and the importance of empathy and understanding.


Episode 27: "Navigating the Power of Zero: Strategies for Tax-Efficient Retirement Planning."
01/15/2024

Ryan and Larry specifically focus on retirement planning and strategies to minimize taxes. The speakers discuss the concept of "Power of Zero," which involves transitioning assets from tax-deferred accounts to tax-free accounts to minimize tax payments in retirement. They mention using life insurance, annuities and managed money to achieve this goal. The conversation also touches on the importance of workshops, education, and a step-by-step roadmap for clients to understand and implement these strategies. The speakers emphasize the need for humility and openness to new approaches for successful financial planning.


Episode 26: "Navigating the Power of Zero: Strategies for Tax-Efficient Retirement Planning."
01/15/2024

Ryan and Larry specifically focus on retirement planning and strategies to minimize taxes. The speakers discuss the concept of "Power of Zero," which involves transitioning assets from tax-deferred accounts to tax-free accounts to minimize tax payments in retirement. They mention using life insurance, annuities and managed money to achieve this goal. The conversation also touches on the importance of workshops, education, and a step-by-step roadmap for clients to understand and implement these strategies. The speakers emphasize the need for humility and openness to new approaches for successful financial planning.


Episode 25: Cracking the Code of Redemption: A Journey through Addiction, Recovery, and Personal Growth
01/08/2024

Join Ryan and Danny in a powerful conversation as they delve into the profound journey of overcoming addiction and the clutches of opioids. Together, they unveil their vision for a transformative podcast titled 'Recovery Chatter,' where genuine conversations aim to inspire, uplift, and instill hope in those navigating their own paths to recovery. Get ready for a compelling exploration of triumph, resilience, and the unwavering spirit that fuels the recovery journey.


Episode 24: Ryan speaks with Jim Cooper, Co-Chief Executive Officer at FIG Marketing
01/05/2024

Ryan speaks with Jim Cooper, Co-Chief Executive Officer at FIG Marketing


Episode 23: Drew's Journey as a Corrections Officer
01/04/2024

Ryan sits down with Drew to talk about his journey as a corrections officer and working to help people with mental illness.


Episode 22: Ryan and Christina - The End-of-Life Doula
01/04/2024

In this episode, Ryan brings on his friend Christina to talk about what an End-of-Life Doula (Death Doula) is and how their services positively impact the families of the recently departed.


Episode 21: A Tale of Meditation With Chuck
01/04/2024

Ryan sits down with Chuck to discuss the journey he has taken in life and overcoming addiction and a recent experience he had in a meditation retreat.


Episode 20: A Heartfelt Discussion With Mike
01/04/2024

Ryan and Mike Higgins have a heartfelt discussion on their history together as well as what they are both currently doing to help those that need assistance with recovery.


Episode 19: Journey of Recovery and Finding Purpose
10/17/2023

Ryan and Liz discuss various aspects of their lives, particularly related to their personal struggles and journeys of recovery. They touch upon topics such as addiction, family, relationships, and finding purpose. Both share their experiences, challenges, and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, accountability, and support from others in their recovery process. Additionally, they mention working with kids and helping them find their passions and potential despite difficult circumstances.


Episode 18: Unmasking Confidence: From 'Fake It Till You Make It' to 'Believe It as You Brave It
10/09/2023

Ryan Skinner and Julie, are discussing the concepts of "fake it till you make it" and "believe it as you brave it." They are sharing personal experiences and insights related to confidence, self-belief, and authenticity.


Ryan talks about how he struggled with self-esteem and imposter syndrome but eventually learned to embrace his authentic self. He mentions that people who have faced challenges and overcome them often have a deeper and more meaningful connection when they speak because they are genuine and relatable.


Julie, an executive leadership coach, discusses her...


Episode 17: Journey of Redemption: From Chaos to Recovery with Shannon.
09/25/2023

Ryan and Shannon discuss various aspects of Shannon's life, including their experiences with addiction, struggles with family dynamics, and encounters with the criminal justice system. Shannon shares details about their upbringing in Charlestown, their early exposure to drugs and alcohol, their relationship with their daughter, and their journey through addiction and recovery, including stints in detox programs and therapeutic communities.


The conversation delves into personal experiences, emotions, and the challenges Shannon faced as they navigated addiction and tried to find a path to recovery. Throughout the dialogue, there are moments of reflection on past...


Cracking the Code to Recovery
09/18/2023

Ryan Skinner and Aiden, discussing their experiences with addiction and recovery. Aiden, who is 22 years old, shares his story of starting to drink heavily during the COVID-19 pandemic and eventually hitting rock bottom with a DUI. He credits his father, who is in recovery, with helping him to see the error of his ways and get sober.


Ryan, who is older and has more experience in recovery, talks about the importance of detachment with love. He explains that this means letting go of the need to control your loved one's addiction and allowing them...


Episode 15: Hope for the Journey - Two Men Share Their Stories of Addiction and Recovery
09/11/2023

Jeff and Ryan are talking about their experiences with addiction and how it has affected their lives. Jeff talks about how he started drinking alcohol in high school to fit in with the popular kids. He also talks about how his mom's father was an alcoholic and how she warned him off of drinking. However, Jeff found that alcohol helped him to relax and feel more confident. He started drinking more and more, and eventually became addicted.

Ryan also talks about his experience with addiction. He says that he started drinking alcohol at a young age to...


Episode 14: Cracking the Code: A Discussion on Addiction, Recovery, and Mental Health with Chief Probation Officer Vincent Piro
09/04/2023

Ryan and Vincent discuss various topics related to addiction, recovery, and the state of drug-related issues, particularly opioids and heroin. Ryan shares personal experiences with addiction, interactions with law enforcement, and the role of education and mental health services in addressing addiction issues. Vincent discusses their work in the probation system and the challenges and successes in helping individuals with addiction and mental health issues.


Episode 13: "From Recovery to Adventure: Olivia O'Connor's Journey of Growth and Exploration"
08/14/2023

Ryan Skinner and Olivia O'Connor discuss Olivia's journey from her earlier days to her current situation. Olivia and Ryan have a history together, having met in a 12-step program. Olivia started as a dog walker and later worked in Ryan's office. However, Olivia wasn't content with her office job, which led her to pursue other opportunities.


Olivia's travels began around 2013-2014, when she took a solo trip to Costa Rica for about six months to work on a turtle conservation project. This experience was before her recovery journey. She mentioned how being outdoors and...