Chris Medellin, a top mortgage leader and self-described “work in progress,” opens up in this powerful conversation about quitting alcohol at 47 and how it reshaped every corner of his life—from his marriage to his mindset to his leadership style. What began as a lifestyle change turned into a full emotional, physical, and professional transformation.

Chris shares the emotional challenges of sobriety in a booze-heavy industry, the anxiety hacks that got him through it, and the deep inner work that followed. He also reflects on fatherhood, health, heartbreak in leadership, and what it means to be truly there for others.

If you're chasing clarity, leadership without ego, or proof that reinvention is possible at any age—this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro: “Work in progress” and the decision that changed everything

(01:52) - Giving up alcohol at 47—and how it unraveled his identity

(03:01) - Learning how to feel again: Marriage, discomfort, and self-worth

(06:30) - The social pressure to drink—and how other sober leaders inspired him

(08:30) - Anxiety hacks: How he made events bearable without alcohol

(13:25) - “Not anti-drinking, just pro-accountability”

(16:18) - Sobriety as a business edge during the toughest year in mortgage

(17:25) - Leadership check: If your team only sees your content, you’re failing

(20:09) - The glamor vs. grind of being a “public leader”

(22:06) - Accessibility = retention: Why your people are your customers

(23:01) - Regret and growth as a father + stepfather

(26:56) - Why his lifestyle is his power: energy, clarity, performance

(29:21) - Health habits = stress insurance for entrepreneurs

(31:08) - How to handle heartbreak in leadership when people leave

(34:27) - Vulnerability in business: what happens when you show the struggle

(36:31) - Growing up poor, chasing success—and never feeling worthy of it

(39:50) - The worthiness trap and breaking generational limitations

(45:36) - “He was there”: The one word he wants remembered at his funeral

(46:22) - LFG Energy = your past as rocket fuel for the future

Connect with Chris Medellin:

▶️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrismedellin/

▶️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismedellin

Welcome to the LFG Energy podcast! Your host, Arjun Dhingra, is a two-time Taekwondo world champion and the former Team USA co-head coach. He is a 23-year mortgage veteran of the industry who loves influencing change in people.

This podcast is about the stories and lessons of those who have had their backs against the wall and have ultimately overcome. Former Olympians, coaches, entrepreneurs, and incredible human beings will share their experiences of resilience and beating the odds in spite of adversity so that you too can learn to start doing the same in your life.

Connect with Arjun:

▶️ LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

Follow the show:

▶️Spotify | Apple | YouTube

In this electric episode of the LFG Energy Podcast, I sit down with Craig Siegel—entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of Cultivate Lasting Symphony (CLS)—to unpack what it really takes to reinvent yourself. From leaving behind a lucrative Wall Street career to building a global personal brand, Craig shares the real story behind his rise, the failures that shaped him, and the spiritual shift that made everything possible.

We dive deep into his mindset, mission, and personal philosophy—from battling doubt and financial strain to discovering higher purpose, building a magnetic brand, and redefining success through service. If you're stuck at a crossroads, feeling called to something bigger, or ready to reclaim control of your narrative, this episode is your wake-up call.

Timestamps:

(00:05) - A Reunion of Friends

(01:32) - Craig's reinvention: From Wall Street to purpose-driven work

(04:20) - Money, giving energy, and creating from alignment

(07:00) - Reinvention requires risk, but the cost of inaction is worse

(10:55) - Why you must build a personal brand in 2025

(13:28) - Conviction over validation: Go all in before you're ready

(16:44) - The right mentors, the right people, and real authenticity

(20:21) - The Reinvention Formula: Why his book actually works

(24:13) - Why failure is proof you’re growing

(27:00) - Craig’s dad, cancer, and the legacy of resilience

(33:45) - What Craig’s mission looks like over the next 10 years

(38:00) - Craig’s definition of LFG energy

Connect with Craig Siegel:

▶️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigsiegel_cls/?hl=en

▶️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-landon-siegel

▶️ Website: https://www.cultivatelastingsymphony.com/

Welcome to the LFG Energy podcast! Your host, Arjun Dhingra, is a two-time Taekwondo world champion and the former Team USA co-head coach. He is a 23-year mortgage veteran of the industry who loves influencing change in people.

This podcast is about the stories and lessons of those who have had their backs against the wall and have ultimately overcome. Former Olympians, coaches, entrepreneurs, and incredible human beings will share their experiences of resilience and beating the odds in spite of adversity so that you too can learn to start doing the same in your life.

Connect with Arjun:

▶️ LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

Follow the show:

▶️Spotify | Apple | YouTube

In this compelling episode of the LFG Energy Podcast, I sit down with former U.S. Navy Special Operations veteran and resilience coach, Sean Bautista, to unpack the powerful journey of post-traumatic growth. Sean opens up about his transition from elite military service to civilian life, shedding light on the invisible battles many veterans face and the importance of identity beyond the uniform.

We explore his near-fatal injuries, the mental and emotional toll of service, and how he turned pain into purpose by helping others redefine strength and healing. From redefining masculinity and vulnerability to navigating trauma, self-awareness, and transformation, Sean’s insights are as raw as they are inspiring. Whether you're a veteran, athlete, entrepreneur, or simply someone striving to reclaim control of your life, this episode will move you to reflect, reset, and rise.

Timestamps:

(00:05) - A Reunion of Friends

(07:20) - Transitioning from Employment to Real Estate

(11:08) - The Power of Personal Branding and Confidence in Real Estate

(21:14) - Elevating to Luxury Sales: Strategies for Success

(28:23) - The Importance of Discipline and Fitness in Business

Welcome to the LFG Energy podcast! Your host, Arjun Dhingra, is a two-time Taekwondo world champion and the former Team USA co-head coach. He is a 23-year mortgage veteran of the industry who loves influencing change in people.

This podcast is about the stories and lessons of those who have had their backs against the wall and have ultimately overcome. Former Olympians, coaches, entrepreneurs, and incredible human beings will share their experiences of resilience and beating the odds in spite of adversity so that you too can learn to start doing the same in your life.

Connect with Arjun:

▶️ LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

Follow the show:

▶️Spotify | Apple | YouTube

Connect with Sean Bautista:

▶️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sean_m_bautista/