The Impact Founder Podcast: The Stories That Built Us
Resiliency isn’t just about the wins—it’s about what it takes to keep going. The Impact Founder Podcast, hosted by Kristin Darga and Travis Bockenstedt, takes you deep into the real, raw, and often untold stories of exceptional leaders—founders, executives, and visionaries—who have faced daunting challenges, adapted under pressure, and emerged stronger. In every episode, we pull back the curtain on the pivotal moments that define resilience. We explore the struggles, the failures, the doubts, and the breakthroughs that come with the journey of building something meaningful. This isn’t just about success—it’s about the real cost of leadership, the emotional toll, and the grit required to push through adversity. Presented in a dynamic, radio-style format, the show blends in-depth storytelling with expert interviews, making for a listening experience that is both compelling and insightful. As experienced journalists and business leaders, Kristin and Travis bring their sharp interviewing skills, deep curiosity, and passion for powerful narratives to each episode. Their background in storytelling allows them to uncover the truths that many entrepreneurs and executives don’t often share—the hidden struggles, the mindset shifts, and the unfiltered realities of what it means to lead through uncertainty. Why Listen? Immersive storytelling: We don’t just tell stories—we bring them to life. With gripping narratives, archival audio, and firsthand accounts, we take listeners into the defining moments of leaders who refused to quit. Honest conversations: No sugarcoating here. Our guests share their hardest moments—bankruptcy, burnout, betrayal, and the lessons they learned the hard way. Tactical insights: More than inspiration, this podcast provides real-world strategies for navigating setbacks, making tough decisions, and leading through chaos. Diverse perspectives: We feature a broad range of voices—from tech startup founders and non-profit leaders to corporate executives and creative entrepreneurs—each with unique experiences and insights into what it takes to build something that lasts. Whether you’re in the trenches of building a business, leading a team through uncertainty, or simply looking for stories of resilience and grit, the Impact Founder Podcast is here to remind you that you’re not alone. This is the podcast for those who refuse to give up.
Listen on:
Episodes
Episodes
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
It takes resilience to make it in sports—and even more to build a legacy beyond the game.
On this episode of Impact Founder: The Stories That Built Us features three elite athletes turned entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry leaders: Ryan Harris, Chris Anthony, and Peter Wallen.
Ryan Harris – Super Bowl Champion, keynote speaker, and bestselling author. After a 10-year National Football League (NFL) career and winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos Football Club, Ryan built a career in broadcasting, investing, and business leadership. Named Colorado Sportscaster of the Year (2020) and Denver Business Journal’s 40 under 40 (2021), he’s using his platform to empower the next generation of leaders.
Ryan Harris
Chris Anthony – Professional skier, award-winning filmmaker, and motivational speaker. A Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame inductee and 10th Mountain Division Warrior Legend honoree, Chris was a featured athlete in 29 Warren Miller Entertainment Films and competed in nine World Extreme Skiing Championships. Through his Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project, he’s inspiring young minds to push their limits both on and off the mountain.
Chris Anthony
Chris Anthony Youth Initiative
Mission Mt. Mangart is a Documentary Project about the WW2 period of the 10th Mountain Division’s history told from a unique angle.
Peter Wallen – A former hockey pro player turned agent, Peter has been guiding hockey careers since 1994, helping players navigate the National Hockey League (NHL) and beyond. As the only Swedish NHLPA-certified agent based in North America, he has built a career on relationships, strategy, and an unshakable passion for the game. Now, he’s shaping the future of hockey by mentoring players beyond their time on the ice.
Alterno Management
These founders prove that success isn’t just about what happens in the game—it’s about the impact they create from that experience.
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Impact Founder Podcast: The Stories that Built UsEpisode Title: Resilience in the Performing Arts
Show Notes:Welcome to the Impact Founder Podcast: The Stories that Built Us. Your hosts, Travis Bockenstedt and Kristin Darga, take you behind the scenes of resilience, creativity, and innovation in the performing arts. In this episode, we explore how musicians and arts organizations are adapting, thriving, and redefining their industries in an ever-changing world.
Featured Guests:
Devin Patrick Hughes – Artistic Director & Conductor, Symphony of the Rockies and Boulder Symphony & Music Academy
TerryJosiah Sharpe – CEO, Anthem Music Enterprises, musician, educator, and advocate for mental wellness
Dr. Christine Guptill – Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy, University of Ottawa; Vice Chair of Research, Performing Arts Medicine Association
Guest Interview: Devin Patrick Hughes
Devin Patrick Hughes is a visionary orchestral and operatic conductor known for his commitment to music accessibility, artist development, and community-driven programs. As the Artistic Director & Conductor of Symphony of the Rockies and Music Director of Boulder Symphony & Music Academy, Devin has redefined what it means to be a leader in classical music.
Key Discussion Points:
Defining resilience in the performing arts and personal experiences shaping his leadership.
The entrepreneurial approach to orchestral music and how artists can take control of their careers.
Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on audience engagement.
The importance of community engagement in the survival of performing arts.
Building a sustainable career in classical music as industry trends evolve.
The future of orchestras, opera, and live performance—what’s next?
Next up: We’ll hear from TerryJosiah Sharpe, a combat veteran and musician using music as a tool for healing and social impact. Stay with us!
Guest Interview: TerryJosiah Sharpe
TerryJosiah Sharpe is a musician, educator, and CEO of Anthem Music Enterprises, where he empowers independent artists to create, inspire, and entertain. His work centers on music as a transformative tool for mental wellness and healing.
Key Discussion Points:
How music has personally helped him overcome life challenges.
The biggest barriers independent artists face and solutions for success.
Music as a tool for mental wellness in today’s global mental health crisis.
The power of community leadership in the arts.
Using music to advocate for domestic violence awareness and healthy relationships.
Future innovations in the music industry for mental health and social impact.
Coming up: Dr. Christine Guptill joins us to discuss occupational therapy, musicians’ health, and building resilient careers in the performing arts.
Guest Interview: Dr. Christine Guptill
Dr. Christine Guptill is an expert in occupational therapy, specializing in musicians’ health and work disability prevention. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa and Vice Chair of Research for the Performing Arts Medicine Association, she brings a unique perspective on resilience in the arts.
Key Discussion Points:
Physical and mental recovery strategies for musicians post-performance.
The challenges of performance pressure and maintaining well-being.
The role of resilience in injury recovery and career longevity.
Industry pressures on musicians’ mental health and ways to provide support.
Lessons from musicians that apply to broader life challenges.
Mindset shifts and habits for sustaining long-term careers in the arts.
Roundtable Discussion: The Power of Resilience in the Arts
In this segment, our three guests discuss resilience through different lenses—health, business, and performance.
Key Discussion Points:
How resilience manifests in orchestral leadership, independent artistry, and musicians’ health.
Using music as a force for change beyond performance.
Strategies for preventing burnout, financial instability, and creative fatigue.
Final Takeaways & Resources:
Follow Devin Patrick Hughes at Symphony of the Rockies and Boulder Symphony.
Connect with TerryJosiah Sharpe and learn more about Anthem Music Enterprises at Anthem Music.
Connect with Dr. Christine Guptill’s research at the University of Ottawa.
Thank you for joining us on Impact Founder Podcast: The Stories that Built Us! Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us for more inspiring stories of resilience and innovation.
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
A Re-Introduction to Impact Founder
Episode: Meet Kristin & Travis
Kristin and Travis kick off the new Impact Founder podcast, sharing their journey from mental health advocacy to resilience.
Key Takeaways
How We Met: Travis’ shift from media to resilience-focused work, plus the Startup Week story.
Why This Podcast? Mental health conversations have evolved, but resilience is the missing link.
From Exhaustion to Reinvention: Kristin reflects on stepping away from Impact Founder in 2019 and how Travis’ outreach reignited the mission.
What’s Next? Shifting the focus from struggle to strength.
Meet the Mentors
Lane Ostrow (HonorOne, LLC)
Business leader, impact investor, and Kristin’s mentor.
Helped her publish her book with a last-minute “Hail Mary.”
Shares lessons from mentoring women and veterans on resilience.
Dr. Penni Pier (Wartburg College)
Guided countless young professionals through career and identity transitions.
Discusses resilience across generations and the keys to personal growth.
Resiliency Roundtable
Guests: Denise Larzo, Tiffany Fixter, Dr. Penni Pier
Theme: What does it mean to be a resilient woman in 2025?
Insights on leadership, inclusivity, and adapting to change.
The Takeaway
Impact Founder: The Stories That Built Us is about moving beyond mental health struggles into actionable resilience.